The Interesting MD Podcast Doctors Facing Political Violence and Unrest in the US with Author Stephen Marche Part 2
Feb 4, 2026
Stephen Marche, author and essayist known for The Next Civil War, discusses political violence, polarization, and how institutions crumble. He explores when and why physicians might become targets. They talk about safety choices like relocating, the erosion of rule of law, and where professionals can best remain useful and protected.
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Doctors Are On The Target List
- Political violence in the U.S. tends to target journalists first, then security services, and often medicine later.
- Stephen Marche warns physicians are on the list and should not assume immunity.
Policy Failure Feeds Violence
- Lack of serious policy responses fuels political violence; symbolic fixes won't stop acceleration.
- Marche argues structural reforms like open primaries could reduce incentives for career politicians to stoke extremism.
2008 As The Turning Point
- Economic shocks like 2008 erode intergenerational progress and help fuel political fragmentation.
- Marche links economic decline to rising separatism, distrust, and violent politics in the U.S.
