Political Violence
R Street on Political Violence
Political violence is never acceptable. R Street condemns any endorsement, excuse, minimization, or equivocation about political violence – no matter the perpetrator. Our stance is strictly nonpartisan and rooted in democratic norms and the rule of law. This moment calls for what we at R Street refer to as cultural bravery: leaning into discomfort, making space for disagreement, and recognizing that the tension between freedom and security, individual rights and collective needs, is a productive tension that we should embrace.
Sadly, political violence is not new to the American story – and we may see more in the years ahead. Rather than issuing quick, performative statements, R Street models constructive dialogue and evidence-based debate in our everyday work. While we address civic norms and political civility directly, our broader policy agenda advances limited, effective government that honors the social contract by enabling private innovation and competition while ensuring core public functions for communities and the nation – securing elections, expanding reliable energy, and safeguarding both public safety and due process — all of which help reduce the conditions for discontent and political violence. Together, these efforts aim to keep society safe and functioning and to rebuild public confidence in our leaders and institutions.
Our Commitment
R Street will continue to focus on policies that embrace limited, effective government in order to strengthen civic culture and elevate civil discourse. Through rigorous policy research, public conversations, and intentional engagement, R Street will continue to work to strengthen the habits of self-government and foster a common civic purpose, so that freedom and democratic culture can endure.
We recognize that political speech is often passionate and that robust debate and sharp protests are essential features of a free society. We don’t monitor every leader’s rhetoric, nor do we aim to police ideology. But we do set and enforce clear standards for our own platforms and partnerships. When rhetoric crosses bright lines – violence, threats, targeted intimidation, or advocacy of lawless action – and directly intersects with our work, we respond. If patterns persist without correction, we may decline platforming or partnership, and where necessary, clarify our standards publicly.
Our goal is not to stifle free speech, but to model principled engagement: conversations grounded in evidence, civility, and respect for democratic norms. When we choose reason over rhetoric, we help sustain the American experiment. We invite you to be part of this effort with R Street. Sign up for our newsletters. Join us at an event, and stay engaged in the conversation.
More work on political violence
Filter listing
Nothing Found
It seems we can't find what you're looking for. Perhaps searching can help.
(Image credits: Andrii Yalanskyi, HTGanzo, ElenaR, Direk Takmatcha, Ivan Cholakov, Aldeca Productions), darren415, AungMyo, Photo_Grapher, Marina, f11photo, Melinda Nagy (image made with AI), U2M Brand, panitanphoto, BOATFOTO