Tim Naftali on Political Extremism: How America Reached a Toxic Political Moment
JUDJ-Prepared Summary from May 6, 2026 | Democracy Stressed: Can American Institutions Still Contain Political Extremism. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the speaker.
In a recent America at a Crossroads discussion, historian and Tim Naftali, a senior research scholar at Columbia University and CNN presidential historian, explored how the United States arrived at its current era of political division. Drawing on historical patterns and modern developments, Naftali offered a clear-eyed diagnosis of the forces driving extremism and institutional distrust.
Defining Extremism in a Constitutional Framework
Naftali reframes political extremism away from ideology and toward behavior. It is not about whether someone is liberal or conservative, but whether they respect the core principles of American democracy: free elections, free speech, checks and balances, and the rule of law. When individuals or movements seek to undermine those principles—or use violence to achieve political ends—they cross into extremism.
This distinction is critical. Policy disagreements are part of democracy. But rejecting the system itself threatens its survival.
A Crisis of Trust and Fairness
At the heart of today’s political climate is a widespread belief that the system is no longer fair. According to Naftali, this perception fuels a dangerous feedback loop: when people believe others are breaking the rules, they feel justified in doing the same.
This erosion of trust extends beyond government to fellow Americans. While personal relationships may remain intact, there is a growing “abstract distrust” of others across the political spectrum. The result is a toxic environment where compromise becomes difficult and division deepens.
The Historical Roots of Division
Naftali points to several key events that have shaped today’s political culture:
- The aftermath of 9/11, which introduced new cultural tensions
- The Iraq War, which eroded trust in government decision-making
- The Great Recession, which left many communities behind economically
- The rise of populist leaders who harnessed existing anger
- The COVID-19 pandemic, which further weakened institutional trust
These forces, combined with the amplifying effects of social media, created a perfect storm of frustration and polarization.
Lessons from the Nixon Era
Looking back, Naftali contrasts today’s environment with the Watergate era. During President Richard Nixon’s presidency, institutions ultimately held firm. Crucially, members of Nixon’s own party prioritized the rule of law over partisan loyalty.
That moment, Naftali argues, reflects a broader commitment to “good government” that has since diminished. The decline of that mindset has made it harder for institutions to act as effective checks on power today.
A Nation at a Crossroads
While the United States remains stronger than it was a century ago, Naftali warns that it has lost ground compared to the relative stability of the late 20th century. The central challenge is not simply extremism, but the loss of faith in fairness itself.
Rebuilding that trust, he suggests, is essential to restoring the health of American democracy.
About America at a Crossroads
Since April 2020, America at a Crossroads has produced weekly virtual programs on topics related to the preservation of our democracy, voting rights, freedom of the press, and a wide array of civil rights, including abortion rights, free speech, and free press. America at a Crossroads is a project of Jews United for Democracy & Justice.
