Mitigating Threats in a Politically Charged Landscape
Even before the start of the U.S. election cycle, 2024 was slated to make history. This year, a record number of voters will head to the polls, with approximately half the world’s population set to participate in elections. For the United States, this activity will culminate in November, when voters will cast their ballots for America’s 47th president, wrapping up probably one of the country’s most contentious election seasons to date.
From retailers to campaign trails, U.S. organizations are bracing themselves for an increase in protests and unrest linked to the campaigns and elections. As the potential for political violence increases, security professionals need to ensure their companies and clients are prepared to meet and mitigate these challenges.
When Flashpoints Converge
While elections are often turbulent, the 2024 election cycle is shaping up to be unlike any other. U.S. voters have already had to reckon with the attempted assassination of one candidate and another’s unexpected exit from the race. Pundits predict a tight contest. Meanwhile, research from American National Election Studies (ANES) shows that U.S. voters are more at odds than ever before.
The hyperpolarization of the political landscape is amplified by ongoing conflicts, such as those between Israel and Palestine and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These issues have sparked large-scale demonstrations in major cities and protests swept college campuses in the spring, just months after several college leaders faced congressional hearings into their institutional response to conflict. When two or more compounding factors collide, it can set the stage for protesting, looting, and rioting. For instance, the widespread demonstrations against racial injustice that followed the murder of George Floyd in 2020 were exacerbated by the economic and social challenges brought about by COVID-19.
Regardless of how the leadup to the election, the event itself, and the aftermath shake out, the United States is at a nexus point for political upheaval. The repercussions will be felt locally, nationally, and globally. To understand how this turbulence could affect an individual organization, security leaders must first assess their company’s or client’s level of risk.
The hyperpolarization of the political landscape is amplified by ongoing conflicts, such as those between Israel and Palestine and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Assessing Vulnerabilities
Factors contributing to an institution’s level of risk may include its public profile, location, and consumer base. If organizations or their stakeholders are particularly engaged with an issue or cause, this can correlate with heightened political unrest. For example, colleges and universities are likely to see protests and counter-protests as the race heats up. Similarly, businesses in the vicinity of debates and political gatherings could find themselves in the crosshairs of looting or vandalism.
To mitigate risk, organizations must proactively identify and prepare for potential threats. For instance, rally locations, debates, and campaign stops will likely be political hotspots for protests and counterprotests. Companies close to these zones should consider how this activity could impact them and create plans well in advance.
Assessing vulnerabilities prior to an event is critical for organizations anticipating upheaval. In the aftermath of a security breach or violent incident, assets are stretched thin and it can be difficult for companies to access the resources they need to respond appropriately. In the days following the July assassination attempt on former U.S. President Donald Trump, security providers nationwide struggled to keep up with the rising demand for services. By ensuring they have sufficient resources in place ahead of time, companies can avoid being caught off guard during times of crisis.
Anticipating Risk, Minimizing Disruption
Having a robust risk management program is always important. But amid a fiercely debated election cycle, it is vital. Whether partnering with an external provider or utilizing internal resources, security leaders must establish protocols to navigate threats while limiting business disruption.
Organizations should begin by identifying how politically motivated protesting, rioting, looting, or violence could impact operations internally and externally. Businesses should use the information from the assessment to map out policies and procedures, addressing potential incidents. Depending on the nature of the threat, mitigation strategies could range from shoring up internal communication systems and cross-training employees to working with a security partner to bolster onsite protection for major events.
Security leaders must establish protocols to navigate threats while limiting business disruption.
Finally, companies need to use every tool at their disposal to monitor possible threats, ensuring they are well-placed to mobilize should the need arise. For example, organizers are increasingly leaning on digital platforms to enlist support. This can make social media sites a rich tool for gathering intelligence on emerging threats associated with a particular event, topic, or business.
In today’s charged political climate, organizations cannot completely avoid risk. However, by building a proactive plan to anticipate and mitigate threats, they can position themselves to respond swiftly and effectively, minimizing the impact on their operations, employees, and assets.
Jason Porter, CPP, is a vice president at Pinkerton and is an expert in corporate, criminal, and civil investigations and executive protection. Porter has more than 15 years of high-level corporate security experience.