Political violence and extreme polarization are symptoms of deeper economic anxieties. When people feel economically insecure, they retreat into tribal identities and become susceptible to narratives of anger, which can escalate into violence.

The assassin of Abe Shinzo fits the profile of Japan's 'lost generation'—those in their 40s and 50s who faced economic collapse in the 90s. This has fueled attacks by socially alienated individuals who feel powerless and resort to violence, exposing a societal vulnerability despite Japan's low overall crime rate.

Charlie Kirk's assassination resonated so strongly due to its rich symbolism—a political commentator shot in the throat while speaking. This symbolic narrative creates a more powerful and memorable public reaction than other political violence because it's emotionally potent.

Violent acts are not random; they often represent the logical conclusion within a person's specific frame of reference. If an ideology convinces someone they are fighting a Hitler-like evil, then assassination becomes a moral duty, not a crime. The danger lies in these justifying belief systems.

The inability for young people to afford assets like housing creates massive inequality and fear. This economic desperation makes them susceptible to populist leaders who redirect their anger towards political opponents, ultimately sparking violence.

This psychological mechanism flips a switch, intensifying love for one's in-group while enabling murderous hatred for an out-group. It recasts political rivals as existential threats, making violence seem not just acceptable, but morally necessary for the group's survival.

Tragic political events rarely change minds. Instead, they function as Rorschach tests where people see what they want to see, using the event to confirm their pre-existing biases and deepen societal divisions rather than fostering unity or understanding.

This concept describes a psychological state where empathy is completely withdrawn from an "out-group." This allows individuals to justify and even celebrate violence against perceived enemies, seeing it not as murder but as a necessary and righteous act in service of their in-group.

The election of leaders like Japan's female prime minister, who enacts hardline policies, shows that voters are primarily driven by shared values, not identity characteristics. When a leader's ideology matches the electorate's, their gender or race becomes secondary.