Barbara F. Walter

Barbara F. Walter is a prominent political scientist and professor at the University of California, San Diego, known for her extensive research on civil conflicts and the factors leading to civil wars. At 60 years old, Walter has gained significant attention for her alarming insights into the state of democracy in the United States, particularly following the rise of Donald Trump and the events surrounding the Capitol riot. Her influential book, 'Cómo empieza una guerra civil' (How Civil Wars Start), published in 2022, explores the conditions that could lead to civil conflict in the U.S., arguing that the country is exhibiting dangerous signs of instability similar to those seen in historical cases like Yugoslavia and Syria. Walter's work has sparked considerable debate and has been referenced in popular culture, highlighting her critical perspective on the current political climate and the risks of authoritarianism.