Political polarization in low- and middle-income countries

Area of Science:

• Political Science
• Communication Studies
• Sociology

Background:

• Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have experienced increased ideological and affective polarization over the past two decades.
• This rise in polarization is often accompanied by democratic backsliding, yet the underlying drivers remain under-researched.
• Existing research on polarization in LMICs is limited, necessitating a deeper understanding of its informational underpinnings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and analyze the primary informational drivers contributing to the rise and persistence of polarization in LMICs.
• To explore the role of echo chambers, media bias, and elite rhetoric in exacerbating political divides.
• To suggest avenues for future research and potential interventions to mitigate polarization in these regions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic identification of informational drivers prevalent in LMICs.
• Analysis of the mechanisms through which echo chambers, biased media, and elite rhetoric influence polarization.
• Literature review and theoretical framework development to understand polarization dynamics.

Main Results:

• Three key informational drivers of polarization in LMICs were identified: echo chambers, biased traditional, digital, and social media, and divisive political elites.
• Echo chambers reinforce false beliefs about opposing political groups.
• Biased media landscapes and hostile rhetoric from political elites amplify societal divisions, deepening polarization.

Conclusions:

• Informational factors, including echo chambers, media bias, and elite rhetoric, play a significant role in driving polarization in LMICs.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing effective strategies to counter democratic backsliding.
• Further empirical research and targeted interventions are needed to address the complex drivers of polarization in diverse LMIC contexts.