The Impact of Polarization on American Democracy
The United States has been classified as a “backsliding democracy” for the first time, according to a global assessment by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. The report cites the continuing popularity of false allegations of voter fraud among Republicans as a key reason for this classification.
However, the most concerning aspect of American democracy, according to the organization’s secretary general, is “runaway polarization.” One year after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Americans’ perceptions of that day are divided along partisan lines.
Polarization is a significant factor in America’s current political struggles, with some researchers warning of an approaching “tipping point” of irreversible polarization. There are two types of polarization – political polarization and belief polarization.
Political polarization, the ideological distance between opposed parties, can be beneficial as it offers choices for voters and policymakers. However, belief polarization, where interaction with like-minded others leads to more extreme views and negative feelings towards those with different views, is toxic for citizens’ relations with one another.
The large-scale political dysfunction in the US lies in how political and belief polarization work together in a mutually reinforcing loop. Politicians have incentives to amplify hostility towards their opponents, and citizens are cued to entrench partisan segregation, leading to additional belief polarization.
Remedies for polarization often focus on improving citizens’ relations with one another and promoting civil political discourse. However, research indicates that exposure to the other side’s viewpoint can actually increase polarization once people are already polarized.
Managing polarization involves working to counteract conformity within coalitions and rediscovering the ability to respectfully disagree with allies. By remembering that politics always involves disputation, even among like-minded groups, Americans may begin to address the toxic effects of polarization on democracy.
