In this TIME essay, Elliot Ackerman examines the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol through the historical lens of the 1933 Reichstag fire and considers how future episodes of political violence could shape American democracy.

Political Violence and Democratic Legitimacy

Ackerman argues that in a deeply polarized society, further January 6-style crises are increasingly plausible. The central question is not only whether political violence occurs, but how institutions, political leaders, and the public interpret and respond to it.

Lessons from the Reichstag Fire

The essay revisits how Adolf Hitler used the Reichstag fire to portray political opponents as enemies of the state, suspend civil liberties, and consolidate power. Ackerman emphasizes the tactical lesson: violence directed at state institutions can weaken the legitimacy of those responsible while giving opponents justification to expand their authority.

The Risks Ahead

Drawing on scenarios developed by the Transition Integrity Project before the 2020 election, Ackerman explores how competing factions might react to disputed elections, court decisions, or claims of voter suppression and fraud. He warns that attacks on capitols, courts, or other institutions could become powerful political weapons for those prepared to exploit them.

Read the Original Essay

Read “More January 6ths Are Inevitable. How We React Is Crucial” at TIME →