The 48‑Hour Unity Window

After shocking political violence, public figures often deliver cross‑partisan condemnations that create a brief sense of unity. Within a day or two, social‑media dynamics and partisan incentives pull elites and audiences back into antagonism, reframing the event to attack opponents. Planning for this short window could shape how institutions communicate to reduce escalation. — If unity predictably decays within 48 hours, media, parties, and civic leaders need strategies that front‑load de‑escalation messaging and guard against rapid polarization online.