Polarization is a prominent concept in Comparative Politics and is widely used in the debate on contemporary threats to democracy and social cohesion. So far, however, scholars in International Relations (IR) have refrained from systematically thinking about polarization at the international level (international polarization) and its interplay with domestic polarization (global polarization).
In the latest PRIF Working Paper, Nicole Deitelhoff, Jonas Wolff, and Thies Niemeier introduce the concept of international polarization to contribute to filling this gap. Applying the concept and theory of polarization as established in Comparative Politics to the sphere of international politics, they conceptualize international polarization as the intensification of perceived ideological and affective differences between states or groups of states. More specifically, they propose that it is important for IR to take polarization seriously if we are to understand the significant global shifts we are currently witnessing, including the deepening crisis of international institutions.
This paper reviews the (lack of) IR engagement with polarization, develops a conceptualization and theory of international polarization and presents preliminary empirical evidence suggesting that polarization should be considered as an important feature of contemporary world politics.
This working paper was written as part of the new “Global Polarization” project. In cooperation with the Research Groups World Orders in Conflict and Regime Competition, this exploratory project conducts pilot studies on the dynamics, patterns, and consequences of polarization between states. The aim is to prepare a larger research program conceptualizing polarization at the international level and its interplay with domestic polarization, working toward an understanding of global polarization.
The working paper is available for download (PDF).