Political Polarization in Germany 2025
The MIDEM Polarization Barometer maps ideological and affective polarization in Germany in 2025. Drawing on a large-scale, representative survey of approximately 34,000 respondents across eight EU member states—including nearly 4,400 in Germany—the study demonstrates that polarization is not a uniform phenomenon. Not all disagreement poses a threat to social cohesion. A key analytical distinction is […]
Affective polarization and in-group emotional consensus: Evidence from the climate and immigration cleavages in Germany
. „Affective Polarization“ ist mittlerweile ein zentraler Begriff, um die wachsenden sozialen und politischen Spaltungen in vielen Demokratien zu beschreiben. Häufig wird dieser Begriff anhand der positiven oder negativen Gefühle gemessen, die Individuen gegenüber gegnerischen politischen oder sozialen Gruppen hegen. Doch diese Herangehensweise übersieht oft die Komplexität der Emotionen, die diese Spaltungen prägen. In […]
More Educated, More Pro-Immigration?
Does more education automatically lead to more open attitudes towards immigration? Education is often seen as a key to fostering inclusive attitudes toward immigration and strengthening social cohesion in diverse societies. But can education alone deliver on this promise? New research by Dr. Lenka Dražanová (EUI, Florence) puts it to the test. In our latest […]
Polarization in Europe
Affective polarization occurs when people are emotionally opposed to each other on important socio-political issues. Many fear that such polarization processes threaten democracy and social cohesion. But how polarized are Germany and Europe really? And which issues are at the forefront? The Mercator Forum Migration and Democracy (MIDEM) shows the lines of conflict and divisive […]
