Be the Change: How Newton’s third law applies to the current political climate in the United States

Newton’s Third Law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. While this principle is fundamental to physics, it also provides a powerful lens for understanding the extreme swings in U.S. politics. Every major policy shift, cultural movement, or election result sparks a strong counterreaction, creating a cycle of division that keeps the country locked in a state of conflict rather than progress.

But what if we could break this cycle? What if instead of reacting with equal force, we redirected our energy toward balance, reform, and meaningful change? In this post, we’ll explore how political polarization follows the laws of motion—and, more importantly, how we can shift from reactionary politics to constructive solutions that benefit everyone.

Let’s dive in.

Be the Change: How Newton’s third law applies to the current political climate in the United States

Applying Newton’s Third Law to the current U.S. political climate, we see a cycle of reactionary shifts between opposing ideologies. Every major political move, policy change, or cultural shift is met with an equally strong counter-movement, creating a pendulum effect rather than a stable equilibrium. This back-and-forth dynamic has led to increased polarization, with each side feeling the need to push harder against the opposing force rather than seeking middle ground.

How This Cycle Manifests:

1. Presidential Elections & Policy Reversals
   • Each administration undoes or drastically shifts the policies of the previous one (e.g., Trump reversing Obama-era policies, Biden reversing Trump-era policies).
   • Instead of gradual progress, the country experiences whiplash, preventing long-term stability.
2. Supreme Court Decisions & Legislative Battles
   • Major rulings (e.g., abortion rights, affirmative action) lead to immediate and intense pushback.
   • When one party controls Congress, they push extreme policies, only to have the opposition do the same when they regain power.
3. Social & Cultural Movements
   • Movements like Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ rights expansion are met with reactionary counter-movements (e.g., “anti-woke” legislation, book bans).
   • Rather than engaging in dialogue, opposing groups escalate in response to one another.
4. Media & Misinformation
   • Outrage-driven media fuels division, amplifying extremes rather than fostering understanding.
   • Echo chambers reinforce the belief that the “other side” is an existential threat.

What’s Likely to Happen Next?

If the pattern continues unchecked, the pendulum may swing with increasing force, leading to:

• More Radicalized Elections – Candidates will become more extreme to appease polarized bases.
• Legislative Gridlock – Governing will become nearly impossible as compromise is seen as betrayal.
• Social Unrest – Continued protests, counter-protests, and potential violence.
• Distrust in Institutions – As both sides escalate, faith in democracy itself may erode.

How Do We Break the Cycle?

To stop this reactionary loop and create balance, we must introduce counterforces that promote stability rather than escalation.

1. Focus on Systems That Incentivize Unity

• Ranked-Choice Voting & Electoral Reform
  • This system discourages extreme candidates and promotes coalition-building.
• Independent Redistricting Commissions
  • Gerrymandering fuels extremism by creating safe districts where politicians only cater to their base.
• Campaign Finance Reform
  • Reducing big money influence could shift focus to broad appeal rather than ideological purity.

2. Encourage a Culture of Nuance & Dialogue

• Media Literacy & Misinformation Resistance
  • Educating people to recognize propaganda and seek diverse sources.
• Bridge-Building Organizations
  • Encouraging dialogue across political lines (e.g., groups like Braver Angels).
• De-platform Extremist Narratives
  • Not through censorship, but by promoting fact-based, measured discussions.

3. Economic & Social Stabilization

• Address Root Causes of Grievances
  • Many reactionary movements stem from economic insecurity, declining social mobility, and a sense of disenfranchisement.
• Invest in Local Communities
  • Strong local economies and civic engagement reduce reliance on extreme national narratives.

4. Shift the Political Incentive Structure

• Reward Cooperation Over Conflict
  • Media and political systems currently reward outrage. We need incentives (social, financial, and electoral) for bipartisan action.
• Hold Leaders Accountable for Division
  • Citizens must demand that politicians focus on governance, not just partisan battles.

A Physics-Inspired Model for Balance

Instead of a rigid two-party system where each side pushes equally against the other, we need dampening forces—mechanisms that slow the pendulum’s swings:

• Pluralism: More than two dominant parties to distribute power more evenly.
• Decentralization: Stronger state/local governance to reduce national polarization.
• Transparency & Trust-Building: Clearer, more honest communication between government and citizens.

Final Thought: The Role of Leadership & Citizens

Leaders must recognize the destructive nature of reactionary politics and actively work toward constructive compromise rather than retaliation. Meanwhile, citizens need to embrace complexity over tribalism, resisting the urge to push back harder and instead redirect energy toward sustainable, cooperative solutions.

Finding balance requires intentional effort, not just hoping the pendulum slows on its own. 

If you’d like to do more than just watch or talk about the polarization in the United States I invite you to check out Braver Angels, an organization that aims to decrease polarization in American Politics.