Polarized Democracies: New Lines of Divison in Europe
Political polarization has become a recurring theme in debates about the state of European democracies. It shapes how citizens relate to political opponents, how parties position themselves, and how trust in democratic institutions is maintained or eroded. Polarization is visible across several arenas — including conflicts over values, identity, and social inequalities, as well as public debates about migration and cultural change, which often evoke strong emotional and moral reactions.
At the same time, scholarship cautions against overly dramatic or one-dimensional accounts of polarization that overlook its complexity, variation, and ambiguous democratic implications. Understanding when polarization becomes harmful — and when it reflects legitimate democratic contestation — remains an important analytical challenge.
This workshop brings together early career researchers (advanced doctoral and postdoctoral) from across Europe to examine how different forms of polarization emerge, how they intersect with issues such as migration and identity, and how they reshape democratic life. It aims to link empirical findings and theoretical perspectives on political and affective polarization, radical-right mobilization, media environments, and strategies for strengthening democratic cohesion and resilience.
