Political polarization has always been the hottest trend in pattern, and the chambers are the places to be. Forget about engaging in meaningful conversations with differing viewpoints, these days- it’s all about retreating into your bubble, cancelling anyone who dares to disagree and building ideological walls higher than ever before.

Political leaders worldwide are mastering the art of ignoring valid opinions, preferring instead to dismiss arguments that don’t fit their narratives.

The governance challenges accompanied by contentious campaigns as the backdrop, the stage is set for a drama of epic proportions where no one listens, and everyone yells.

Social media is becoming the fairy godmother to this havoc, turning platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram into tailor-made chambers.

We are all becoming experts in ignoring anything that doesn’t fit into our pre-existing beliefs.

It is the very own “us” vs “them” mentality.

Let’s look at the Partisan circus across countries:

If you’re looking for a prime example of political polarization, look no further than the United States.

The current spectacle involves former president Donald trump and president Joe Biden, whose lives are now akin to a soap opera.

Trump, currently juggling multiple indictments ranging from mishandling classified documents to allegedly trying to overturn the 2020 election results, remains as polarizing as ever.

His legal woes have done nothing to diminish his star power within the Republican party. If anything, they’ve only amplified his status as the victim of a supposed “deep state conspiracy”.

On the flip side, Biden’s administration is stumbling through it’s own set of crises. Recent footage of Biden’s “malfunctions” and his infamous gibberish speeches have given critics endless fodder.

Let’s not forget the media’s role in all this, Conservatives love to highlight Trump’s legal battles and recent shooting incident as proof of a biased justice system. Meanwhile, liberal networks like CNN can’t get enough of calling for accountability and denouncing political violence.

The Indian way

In one corner, we have the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who’s been accused of turning the dial up on Hindu nationalism to eleven.

The BJP’s policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act(CAA) and the revocation of Article 370 are being slammed by critics as delightfully exclusionary.

Apparently, making laws that favor one religious over another is the latest fashion statement in Indian politics. On the other hand, we have the INC and other opposition parties who have donned their capes to save secularism and minority rights.

This discourse, however has become vitriolic, with little room for nuanced debate or middle ground.

The European Context

Europe is not immune to these trends either.

The 2024 elections for the European parliament have highlighted deep divisions between pro- European Union(EU) parties and Eurosceptic factions (being opposed to increasing powers of EU).

In countries, like Italy and Hungary, populist leaders such as Giorgia Meloni and Viktor Orban have rallied against EU regulations and immigration policies, tapping into nationalist sentiments.

Conversely, pro-EU leaders like Macron of France and Olaf Scholz of Germany advocate for greater European integration and possess liberal democratic values.

Well, the consequences of political polarization are troubling. Governance becomes increasingly difficult due to the erosion of bipartisan cooperation.

The 2024 elections around the world highlight the deepening effect of polarization that poses significant challenges to democratic governance.

So in thought, political polarization is not a result of differing opinions, but rather failing to respect and engage with those differences.

And this too reminds me of a leader’s words that how “we must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools”

Well, the choice is ultimately ours!