Overcoming Polarization

Around the world, democracy is being undermined by elected leaders using polarizing political strategies that divide societies into mutually distrustful camps. The logic of polarization creates incentives for and voters alike to sacrifice democratic principles rather than risk their side losing power, it changes capacity institutions designed manage conflict sustain democracy. Drawing lessons from experiences around we propose oppositions depolarize or repolarize democracy-building agendas. We further analyze challenges “the day after” incumbents are removed, how strategic choices emphasize long-term collective interests over short-term partisan can begin shift vicious cycle a virtuous one.