The brutal assassination of Charlie Kirk has been widely discussed in European media, which parroted U.S. mainstream media or focused on the irreconcilable ideological divisions in U.S. society. Pundits warned of an impending civil war, both in Europe and America. The challenges in Europe are mostly due to immigration by large groups of people who refuse to integrate into their adoptive societies and instead share and act upon their extremely hostile values toward Western civilization.
David Betz, an eminent Professor of War at King’s College London, discusses this topic at length and summarizes the various warnings of a potential civil war by European politicians or pundits:
Country Warning United Kingdom Nigel Farage, former leader of the Brexit Party and Reform UK, warned in November 2023 that ‘mass immigration’ and multiculturalism risked ‘civil unrest verging on conflict’ if integration continues to fail. France Éric Zemmour, 2021, plus French generals, 2021, both warning of ‘civil war’ Germany Hans-Georg Maaßen, former intelligence chief, warned in 2022 that failure to control immigration and integrate migrants risked ‘civil war-like conditions.’ Sweden Jimmie Åkesson, leader of the Sweden Democrats, warned in 2022 that multiculturalism and immigration-driven crime could push Sweden toward ‘civil conflict.’ Italy Matteo Salvini, former Interior Minister, warned in 2020 that uncontrolled immigration could spark ‘civil conflict’ between Italians and migrants amid economic strain. Netherlands Geert Wilders, leader of the Party for Freedom, warned in 2023 that ‘Islamization’ and immigration could lead to ‘civil war’ if multiculturalism is not reversed. Hungary Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister, warned in 2021 that multiculturalism from immigration threatened ‘civil conflict’ by undermining Hungary’s Christian identity. Denmark Rasmus Paludan, leader of the Hard Line party, warned in 2022 that immigration and multiculturalism could lead to ‘civil conflict’ if ghettoized communities grow. Austria Herbert Kickl, leader of the Freedom Party (FPÖ), warned in 2023 that immigration and multicultural policies could provoke ‘civil war’ by eroding Austrian culture. Belgium Filip Dewinter, Vlaams Belang politician, warned in 2021 that multiculturalism and immigration in Brussels could lead to ‘civil conflict’ between Flemish natives and migrant groups. Spain Santiago Abascal, leader of the Vox party, warned in 2021 that unchecked immigration and multiculturalism could lead to ‘civil conflict’ by threatening Spanish identity. Poland Jarosław Kaczyński, leader of the Law and Justice (PiS) party, warned in 2022 that EU-driven immigration policies could destabilize Poland, risking ‘civil conflict’ with native Poles. Greece Kyriakos Velopoulos, leader of Greek Solution, warned in 2020 that immigration influxes could spark ‘civil conflict’ if migrants overwhelm Greek culture and resources. Switzerland Oskar Freysinger, former Swiss People’s Party (SVP) politician, warned in 2021 that growing immigration and multicultural policies could lead to ‘civil conflict’ by diluting Swiss traditions. Czech Republic Tomio Okamura, leader of the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party, warned in 2023 that immigration and multiculturalism could provoke ‘civil war’ by clashing with Czech homogeneity. Ireland Gearóid Murphy, an Irish nationalist and prominent anti-immigration commentator, warned in 2023 that mass immigration could lead to ‘civil conflict’ by overwhelming Irish culture and resources. Finland Jussi Halla-aho, former leader of the Finns Party, warned in 2021 that immigration and multiculturalism could destabilize Finland, potentially leading to ‘civil conflict’ if integration fails. Norway Sylvi Listhaug, former Justice Minister and Progress Party politician, warned in 2022 that lax immigration policies and multiculturalism could erode social cohesion, risking ‘conflict’ akin to Sweden’s issues. Portugal André Ventura, leader of the Chega party, warned in 2020 that immigration and multiculturalism could lead to ‘civil conflict’ by clashing with Portuguese values and straining social systems. Slovakia Ľudovít Ódor, an economist and former advisor, warned in 2023 that rising anti-immigrant sentiment and multiculturalism could spark ‘civil unrest’ if populist rhetoric escalates.
The above statements capture the main problems that could spark a civil war in Europe. In the United States, however, the deep political and ideological division is not the primary cause of political violence, in contrast with the recent commentary by numerous European media and pundits. The political violence in our country is mostly due to the recent radicalization of the Left. Leftist extremists believe that the end justifies the means and readily resort to violence to eliminate their opponents and undermine traditional societies.
Although there may occur occasional acts of violence by people who profess conservative allegiance, such individuals both misunderstand and misrepresent Biblical religion, conservatism, and American values. Conservatism, as well as Classical liberalism and Judeo-Christian values, are antithetical to murder and political violence and fully compatible with a desire to preserve America and the West.
While the United States is not impervious to the dangers of a potentially brutal civil war, it can still implement resolute steps to properly prosecute radical groups and individuals and promote decisive policies and measures to eliminate anti-Semitic, anti-American, and anti-Western activities, as well as marginalize harmful ideologies that engender political violence. Decisive action is paramount to prevent the escalation of civil discord. As Dietrich Bonhoeffer reportedly noted, “Action springs not from thought, but from a readiness for responsibility.”
Nora D. Clinton is a Research Scholar at the Legal Insurrection Foundation. She was born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria. She holds a PhD in Classics and has published extensively on ancient documents on stone. In 2020, she authored the popular memoir Quarantine Reflections Across Two Worlds. Nora is a co-founder of two partner charities dedicated to academic cooperation and American values. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband and son.
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