Trump-inspired mob at U.S. Capitol follows a familiar path of election violence
Trump-inspired mob at U.S. Capitol follows a familiar path of election violence
Trump supporters try to break through a police barrier at the U.S. Capitol.
(AP Photo/John Minchillo)
Gabrielle Bardall, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa and Robert Huish, Dalhousie University
The siege of the U.S. Capitol by Donald Trump’s supporters follows identifiable paths and patterns of election violence seen around the world.
Election violence is rarely spontaneous. It is intentionally organized in order to influence the process and outcome of elections. It is not a coup, but it is a close cousin. Coups are about change in power, often with a military backing.
Election violence begins in three clear stages, all of which have unfolded during the re...
