THE NEXUS OF SOCIETAL FRAGILITY AND EXTREMISM
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Authors
Balak, Marie L.
Subjects
societal fragility
democracy
extremism
social norms
institutions
trust
misinformation
disinformation
polarization
democratic regression
democratic stability
social cohesion
Brazil
United States
social cohesion
democratic backsliding
public discourse
democracy
extremism
social norms
institutions
trust
misinformation
disinformation
polarization
democratic regression
democratic stability
social cohesion
Brazil
United States
social cohesion
democratic backsliding
public discourse
Advisors
Matei, Cristiana
Strindberg, Anders
Date of Issue
2022-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The events of January 6, 2021, raised several questions about whether democracy in the United States is backsliding. With domestic extremism on the rise and polarization deepening, the nation’s society is fragile and, thus, requires a framework that can provide the breadth and depth necessary to examine these core issues. This thesis aims to explore the relationship between societal fragility—social norms, institutions, trust, and social cohesion—and extremism. It examines democracy, extremism, and then fragility, including current frameworks and their limitations in applicability to a nation such as the United States. Based on these examinations, the societal fragility framework, along with its core components, was established. Using a case study analysis, the thesis examines the January 6 events in the United States and the 2022 presidential election in Brazil through the societal fragility lens, as both case studies present high levels of extremism and political violence. This thesis finds that societal fragility creates an environment that fosters extremism. It recommends that democracies prioritize rebuilding a culture of tolerance within society as well as institutional trust through transparency and accountability. Furthermore, by implementing methods to hold political leaders accountable for their use of undemocratic rhetoric, democracies can improve societal fragility and minimize the growth of extremism.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (CHDS)
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NPS Report Number
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
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Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.