From Polarization to Cohesion: Dealing with the Cracks in Democracy

This interdisciplinary research project addresses societal polarization and vulnerability of democracy in Latvia. It examines how uncertainty—triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and broader geopolitical shifts—affects polarization in both everyday interactions and political discourse. Integrating political science and social psychology, the project explores how political actors exploit societal divisions in their communication strategies and struggle for power, and how such polarization-driven competition undermines democracy and national security. Using social identity theory, human ability of perspective-taking, and civic competences as key frameworks, the project aims to map and model mechanisms that intensify polarization and identify critical points where social tension escalates into democratic backsliding and how to reverse it. Particular attention is given to youth civic competence as a potential solution to foster tolerance and cooperation across societal divides. Outputs include the development and validation of the Social Media Perspective Taking Scale and experimental studies on its effects. Results will inform evidence-based strategies to reduce intergroup conflict, strengthen democracy, and will be disseminated through academic publications, conferences, and targeted outreach to policymakers and NGOs.

Key words: polarization, social identity, perspective taking, political communication, civic competence