The Divide: Why We Should Be Concerned About Polarization in America

The divide between Democrats and Republicans is deeper than ever, making it difficult to find common ground on crucial issues like migration, the economy, social policies, and Ukraine. Also within the parties debates rage over topics like America’s role in the world, abortion, and the U.S. relationship with Israel. Social media and online echo chambers push urban and rural areas further apart. René Cuperus, who researched polarization and the disconnect between voters and decision makers in the Netherlands, talks to Sara Polak of Leiden University and Dario Fazzi of the Roosevelt Institute of American Studies about internal divisions in the United States and why Europe should pay attention.

This podcast was recorded on President’s Night 2024, an American election night event hosted by the Netherlands Atlantic Association, BKB Het Campagnebureau and The John Adams Institute.