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Experts Warn: U.S. Conflicts May Mirror Global Civil Wars

12/20/2025

29 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Experts say fears of a United States civil war are shaped by past wars, biasing views.
Instead, conflicts may resemble Troubles in Northern Ireland or Syrian civil war because militias are present in the United States.
Historian Sarah Paine notes tensions over Taiwan may begin with an artillery barrage rather than a large-scale assault.
Paine adds that such an approach would mirror brutal tactics seen in Ukraine.

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Story summary

Experts say fears of a United States civil war are shaped by past wars, biasing views.
Instead, conflicts may resemble Troubles in Northern Ireland or Syrian civil war because militias are present in the United States.
Historian Sarah Paine notes tensions over Taiwan may begin with an artillery barrage rather than a large-scale assault.
Paine adds that such an approach would mirror brutal tactics seen in Ukraine.