CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF PARTISAN POLARIZATION: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF DEMOCRATIC EROSION

Abstract

This research article examines the multifaceted drivers and far-reaching consequences of partisan polarization in contemporary democracies, with a particular focus on the United States. Drawing on comparative data from multiple nations, we argue that polarization represents a critical threat to democratic stability and governance efficacy. While often rooted in political identity formation, polarization is actively exacerbated by elite rhetoric, partisan media ecosystems, and technological platforms that prioritize engagement over truth. The resulting affective polarization—characterized by interparty animosity rather than mere policy disagreement—corrodes democratic norms, impedes legislative compromise, and threatens public welfare across domains from health to social cohesion. Analysis reveals that the U.S. has experienced more rapid polarization growth than comparable democracies, though similar patterns appear in nations like Hungary, Turkey, and Venezuela. The article concludes with implications for mitigating polarization's most damaging effects while preserving healthy political competition.