How would another American Civil War be divided?

Question

I repeatedly see messages from people who say they expect America to have another civil war if things keep going the way they are.

My question is..how would a civil war take place? Not North against South. Things are much different now, and that just isn't going to happen. Republicans against Democrats? Ok, that would be total chaos because there would be no front line due to the politically mixed areas we all live in. it would be more like a Low Intensity Conflict with random acts of violence directed against others who you believed (emphasis on believed) belonged to another political party than you.

Or would it be racial divided?

I know, my question is pretty stupid, but I'm kinda curious how everyone thinks a civil war would go. I don't really care who you think would win or lose, just who would fight who and for what reason.

What can is say..it's winter break and it only cost me 5 points to ask a question :)

Answer 1

I don’t think your question is stupid at all. Personally, I believe that the possibility of another American civil war will increase; but will not take place in the near future. Maybe decades (or a century) from now, provided that America survives. With the dawning of the 21st century and globalization, the atmosphere is in a change from the nation-state framework we have seen for the past. Instead we are seeing the rise of non-state and trans-national entities such as the multinational corporation, Al Qaeda, MS-13, and private military companies. The nation-state is now in a crisis of legitimacy all over the world, mainly because it can no longer do all the duties that it was created to do for its citizens. We can see this in Somalia, for example, that people reject the UN supported government and support the Islamists because they have produced results for the people. But this will only spread as the nation-state struggles to survive in this new world and fails to defeat non-state actors that challenge it.

Thus, I expect to see the United States engulfed in a civil war between state and non-state actors. The government on all levels will seek to keep the United States of America in one piece, while the non-state actors (which includes everything from street gangs to multinational corporations) will fight for a variety of reasons, even those that turns Clausewitz’s idea that “war is a continuation of politics by other means” upside down on its head. They will even fight amongst themselves. It will be an atmosphere of many sides, shifting alliances, and yes, as you say, Low Intensity Conflict but also reflective on Sun Tzu’s time. In a way, it will be a return to the way the world was before the Peace of Westphalia; and the state does not have monopoly of violence, and many different sides could fight for many reasons (ie, business enterprises fight for economic power, religious groups fight for whatever, gangs fight for whatever). Even a woman can be a reason why a non-state entity would fight (ie Helen of Troy).

Another possibility of a civil war might be between the rich and poor of this country. The increasing differences in the economic power of the rich and the poor may invoke the poor to finally become fed up with the current state of affairs. This can begin in the inner cities of the urban territories; and we already can see warfare between gangs and gangs vs. police. But this can spread, and different groups can again, fight for different reasons. The distinction between civilian and military will no longer exist as men, women, and children can all equally participate in warfare.

I do not believe that there will be a civil war with political sides and North vs. South, but racial sides can be. For political sides, either way, the Establishment will survive. Plus, people are less likely to fight for political views than for where their loyalties lie whether in family (which can non-state actors such as Mafia or gangs), religion (non-state actors like religious organizations), and such. Primary loyalties of citizens will no longer be to the state (hence fudge the political views), but to their church or families and such, due to the decreasing legitimacy of the state. As for racial sides, they can be just a few of the non-state actors in the non-state/state actor American civil war. North vs. South would not be very likely, as that would again be for a political cause, which is as you said, not really applicable in today’s world.

Answer 2

The idea is a very big IF. I really dont see that happening but considering the hypothetical, sporadic violence would ensue. Much like in Iraq, they dont quarell over politics like they do over religion. The people there are motivated by something that uniquely identifies them in an aspect that reaches beyond thier nationality or race or political party. Someones religion is like their family and thats why people are more likely to fight over that. Do you really think someone would kill you over your stance on abortion or the environment? If this country could deteriorate to that point, I envision the only thing people would fight over would be religion. The radical muslim view of "Kill them or convert them." would definately create cause to pick up arms in a civil war should it come to that. In the event that happens, the federal government would have to step in and squash the resistance to thier imposing of anti religious freedom laws and we would have a quasi-soviet society in which politics replaces religion and socialism is the worship of the day. I believe that appeasing the radical muslims in this country instead of swiftly punishing them for civil disobedience could be the only thing that ultimately destroys this nation. Rome lived for 1000 years as the leading civilization. The United States has been a world power for just over 200 years and a superpower for about 100. If our society is to last we must employ some of the tactics that made the romans so successful and a firm and incorruptable legal system is the first way to do that. Keep these idiot judges from slapping the wrists of child molesters and murderers while they imprison drug addicts. An unbiased crime=punishment system where an eye for an eye is the the only justice and supermax prisons are actual places of detention rather than resorts where people can enjoy everything they normally would so that we give the world an example of how to humanely treat the worst criminals of our society. I believe that if people don't break the law they should have nothing to fear from the government and police as they do now. I realize that this leans toward a police state but in order to get out of our situation that might be the only way to prevent a large situation and ensure our survival as a nation.

Answer 3

You are right that it is a completely different world from 150 years ago. However, some aspects of human society will always be the same. The stress on American society, greater that geographical history or political inclinations, is from the increasing economic divide between the haves and the have-nots.

The opportunities for access to higher education and achieving a higher standard of living than previous generations are decreasing and will continue to do so. Republican economic policy, wasteful government spending, and insane political decisions are gutting the middle and working classes. Those that work the hardest must work harder just to maintain their current lifestyle and have fewer resources to invest in the futures of their own children. At the same time, the rich and powerful do less (and what they do, they do not do well) and receive more.

If anything can tear the fabric of American society to the point of armed resistance and open conflict, it will be the result of the economic disparity between rich and poor, and the perception by the poor that their lot in life is unfair and unjust, and that there is not hope for improvement for their children and grandchildren.

Answer 4

Well if it was a state against state civil war then the old model is still correct with a few Midwestern states joining the anti federal crowd. If it was lib vs conserv. then what you see in various civil wars that are tribal based would be the norm Iraq coming to mind a lesser version might be the northern Ireland conflict being the best model to go on.

Answer 5

The 2 coasts versus Middle America

Answer 6

If it ever happened it would probably be racially divided with Whites against Mexicans. I have watched some videos on YouTube of people at illegal immigrant rallies and I could see a big race riot breaking out. I don't know how big it would be though.

Answer 7

Another Mexican -American WAR, North VS South Book 2.
With the same results... We will still have Texas...and you won't have to press 1 for English either.

Answer 8

Middle America against the two coasts, with the exception of Florida.

Answer 9

I think it will be racial divided with whites and blacks VS Mexicans. Asians will be natural. Mexicans will lose.

The next civil war will be against Hispanics for flooding the country with Mexicans.

Answer 10

Probably Muslims against all heretics. They're sworn to convert or kill everybody on earth. In their belief system they have nothing to lose and they will be motivated by the hate taught in mosques.