Understanding Tribalism
The Parthians feared us; we, in turn, held them in dread, and from the mating of our two fears would come war.
—Memoirs of Hadrian, by Marguerite Yourcenar
Hadrian was the Emperor of Rome in the years 117-138 AD, at the Roman Empire’s zenith. During his reign he constantly contended with the practical problem of how to incorporate people with strong tribal identities into a multiethnic polity. He often found it formidably difficult.
This morning I thought of Hadrian’s troubles when I read an investor newsletter issued by a friend to his clients in which he presents his reflections on the macro social and economic risks of the coming presidential election in November.
As he pointed out, America is now divided into two political tribes. He believes we should be prepared for the possibility that, regardless of the election’s outcome, we will likely experience civil unrest. He did not predict which election outcome will likely produce the more disorderly social outcome. However, it seems to me that if the George Floyd riots of 2020 offer any guidance, we may be in for similar rioting, burning, and looting if Trump wins.
While Democrats often point to the January 6 Capitol “attack,” this riot did not feature incendiary devices, and the rioters did not des
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