The vicious Cycle of Tribalism

By Robert A. Vella

trib·al·ism [ˈtrībəˌlizəm]

NOUN
the state or fact of being organized in a tribe or tribes.

derogatory
the behavior and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one’s own tribe or social group: “a society motivated by cultural tribalism”
synonyms: sectarianism · chauvinism · esprit de corps

Tribalism is essentially an us-versus-them mentality.  Its intent is to bind an exclusive group together for the purposes of survival.  Everything that is external to the tribe is at least initially perceived as a threat.  For outsiders to be accepted or associated with, trust must first be established.

The human instinct for tribal organization manifests itself in direct proportion with the number and severity of threats perceived.  When people are getting what they need and want, and when they feel safe, tribalism tends to diminish.  When the opposite occurs, it grows.

Psychological differences also play a part.  Some people, for various reasons, are more inclined to tribal instincts while others are not.  In politics, conservatives are much more predisposed towards tribalism than are centrists and liberals.  This correlation of tribalism to the political spectrum does appear evident.  Right-wing extremists (e.g. neo-fascists, white supremacists) are particularly tribalistic having strong cultural bonds deeply rooted in racial and religious identities, whereas left-wing extremists (e.g. anarchists) are loose associations which cooperate only for specific purposes.

The political machinations of tribalism can be seen as a cyclical process.  First, a socialized fear is identified which can be politically exploited.  Second, a strategy is conceived for that goal typically involving rhetorical memes which best fit within the strategists’ preexisting ideology.  Third, a standard-bearer (i.e. a leader or figurehead) is selected to champion the cause.  Fourth, specific tactics are developed and implemented.  Fifth, the standard-bearer is cast-off – whenever the inevitable populist backlash occurs – leaving the enacted policies of said strategy largely intact.

From the tribe’s perspective, the cycle can be summarized thusly:

1. Palatable fear of some enemy.
2. Growing anger and resentment.
3. A champion rises to offer hope.
4. Loyalty to the champion intensifies as the enemy strikes back.
5. The champion finally falls as loyalty abruptly turns to disillusionment.

In the case of President Trump, the standard-bearer of America’s far-right, we are now witnessing the fourth stage in the cycle of political tribalism.  His populist supporters are rallying to his defense because loyalty is all they have remaining.  However, it won’t be enough.  Their numbers and resolve will continue to shrink until the fifth stage is realized by the leaders of Trump’s own political party, for they had planned it all along.

Further reading:  ‘Extreme tribalism’ claws at the Republicans