Consider what you’ve read about identity politics, negative…
Consider what you’ve read about identity politics, negative and positive partisanship, polarization, extremism, and the driving forces behind these trends. In your reflection, you will make a concerted argument that links political extremism, political polarization, identity politics and negative partisanship (of both the public and elites). In your argument, please address three areas of inquiry. (a) Drivers of extremism: Is any one party to blame? In what way does the acquisition of power (whether one party is in control/majority versus the minority). What factors predict negative partisanship by elites? What factors predict negative partisanship by “ordinary citizens?” (b) What is the relationship between negative partisanship and political polarization (or perceptions of political polarization)? How is this tied to your discussion on the drivers of extremism? What is the role of elites here versus ordinary citizens? (c) Discuss (in the broad sense) what this research contributes to our understanding of our current political context. Polarization, identity politics, negative partisanship, etc. In turn, given our context, is de-escalation possible? If so, how? Can these trends be prevented? If so, how?
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