Owen Wu

Elite Leadership and Polarization

Started May 19, 2022

Abstract or project description

My research paper will ultimately explore the connections and nuances of political polarization and public policy. Specifically, I will seek to answer the central question of to what extent do influential political leaders, such as president Trump and AOC, contribute to both affective and ideological polarization. My paper will explore identity politics as it relates to affective polarization, and discuss how leaders, activists, and voters contribute to growing divisiveness. I will also explore the cause of fundamental disagreements, such as on facts, and find an explanation of why the state of politics feels like it’s “much higher stakes” than before. Finally, I will offer a solution on what Americans can do in order to come to a consensus in politics, and what could ease political tension in the future.