Social inclusion, social exclusion, and the role of leaders in avoiding—or promoting—societal collapse

Abstract Not since the late 1850s has the United States seen the portents leading to a major political crisis be so numerous and grave. Over the last two decades, local and national social capital has steeply declined, culminating in a near‐collapse of social capital within the last 6 years. The potential for a national political crisis is now more plausible, making a dramatic crisis (e.g., bloodless revolt, a civil war, or secession) conceivable within a generation. This article reviews the interlocking concepts of social inclusion, social exclusion, radicalization, and societal collapse and draws from these concepts to elucidate the antecedents to major political crises. We connect these observations to the central role of political and administrative leadership in a democratic society in challenging times. Integrative recommendations for combating extremism and radicalization are provided to highlight key strategies for restoring social capital and stability.