How Polarization Shapes Our Lives

In what follows, I am making an attempt to analyze the political landscapes of two large democracies, situated on diametrically opposite sides of the globe, to understand how polarization of the government manifests in different contexts and disadvantageously affects their respective populace. 

Polarized World

I'll analyze the two large democracies without naming either of them or their leaders. Yet, the readers can easily understand which countries and which leaders I am referring to. 

The Rhetoric

"He is a Hitler, he is a Fascist, he is a threat to Democracy".

These epithets are employed to deride two world leaders by their political opponents.

"One country, one constitution, one destiny".

What is ironical is that these rhetorics are used by the opposition parties against leaders who are democratically elected by the majority populace of the respective countries - one already ruling his country for a third time, and one about to rule his country for a second time. 

Foreign Interference 

The identical language and ideas employed by the opposition ecosystem in both cases point to the fact that the source of these verbiage is the same.

The political opponents play according to a rulebook carefully crafted by external foreign agents. These foreign agents also lend full financial support to the opposition parties with inexhaustible supply of funds to encourage the domestic media spread vitriolic lies and canards against the respective leaders. 

The Devious Stratagem

They cry in unison: "He is a Hitler, he is a Fascist, he is a threat to Democracy". They spread the unfounded rumour that these leaders will destroy the sacrosanct constitution of the respective countries.

Their fierce and well-orchestrated attacks have made one leader take a bullet, while the other leader faces heightened security concerns.

The rulebook also dictates that the persistent hateful attacks on the leaders should continue with full vigour even if the opposition has lost or fails to win the democratic election.

Ideological Extremes

The adoption of more ideologically distinct positions by political parties has caused polarization among both the intelligentsia and the common people. 

This intense polarization towards ideological extremes is making increasing numbers of common citizens move away from centrist positions, abandoning long-held moderate political beliefs and losing faith in established democratic institutions.

AI-powered Social Media

Social scientists believe that social media platforms, controlled by large tech companies with vested interests, whose workings using algorithms are largely opaque, are helping, intentionally or otherwise, to significantly contribute towards polarizing the society. Social media encourage the non-polarized middle, who do not strongly identify with any one side, to become more politically active and take sides. 

Political parties are using AI (Artificial Intelligence)-enabled tools to generate new text, images, videos, and speech to weave into campaign messages. These are also being heavily misused today for spreading fake news, and confusing the electorate, thereby exacerbating divisions within the society.

Intense Polarization 

On average, we can observe that the ruling and opposition parties, in both the democracies discussed above, are farther apart ideologically today than at any time in the past five decades. 

Does this mean that we are condemned to live in a highly polarized world in these democracies? Certainly not.  

Navigating a Polarized World

Though it can be challenging, there are strategies and approaches that can help foster understanding and bridge divides. These include:

1. Comprehend different perspectives: We need to read, watch, and listen to a variety of news sources and engage with diverse viewpoints to broaden our understanding and reduce biases. Also, converse with people who hold different opinions.
2. Promote open and respectful dialogue: We need to approach conversations with a genuine desire to understand rather than to win an argument. We should use active listening, ask open-ended questions, and avoid interrupting. Respectful dialogue helps create a safe space for discussing contentious issues. 
3. Find common ground: We need to identify shared values or goals, even if our methods for achieving them differ. This common ground can serve as a foundation for more productive discussions and collaborations
4. Practice empathy and compassion: We need to see issues from others’ perspectives and acknowledge their feelings and experiences. Empathy can help de-escalate tensions and foster a more cooperative environment.
5. Challenge our own assumptions: We should be willing to question our own beliefs and consider the possibility that we may not have all the answers. This openness leads to personal growth and a deeper understanding of complex issues.
6. Use critical thinking: We should evaluate information critically, checking sources for credibility and bias. Avoid spreading misinformation and strive to base our opinions on well-supported evidence. 
7. Focus on solutions, not problems: We should shift the conversation from what’s wrong to how things can be improved. Solution-oriented discussions are more constructive and less divisive​.
8. Engage in community building: We need to participate in community activities and initiatives that bring people together across divides. Shared experiences can help build relationships and reduce polarization.
9. Educate and advocate for civility: We should promote and model civilized behavior in all interactions, both online and offline. Advocating for policies and practices that encourage respectful discourse can reduce inflammatory rhetoric.
10. Seek mediation and facilitation: We should bring independent professional mediators or facilitators to help guide discussions and ensure that all voices are heard and respected.

By applying these strategies in deeply polarized situations, each of us in our individual capacity can contribute to a more understanding and less polarized world.