Democracy's death spiral: how political tribalism is destroying everything
Description
In this eye-opening episode, we dive deep into the most underreported crisis of our time: how political polarization has become democracy's worst enemy. From the staggering economic costs, with polarized countries losing 1.3 percentage points in GDP growth, to the social fragmentation tearing families apart, we explore why 47% of democracies experienced significant decline in just 2023 alone.
We examine the psychological mechanisms driving our tribal instincts, how social media algorithms amplify division, and why Americans now hesitate to let their children marry someone from the opposing political party. But this isn't just doom and gloom, we also explore practical solutions for democratic renewal, from institutional reforms to the lost art of principled compromise.
Drawing on research spanning 139 countries and featuring insights into everything from electoral systems to community bridge-building initiatives, this episode reveals why our survival depends on learning to live well with difference rather than destroying those who think differently.
Join us as we tackle the uncomfortable truth: the recipe for collective failure is living in incessant battles between dualities while pretending these fights represent principle rather than tribalism.
Read more: https://theurb.co/polarization-impact
United States
