Populism and affective polarization

Both populism and affective polarization have received ample attention from political scientists over the past two decades. Examining these concepts side by side highlights the similar dualistic ‘Us versus Them’ dynamic that underpins both. At the core of populism, as it is most commonly defined, is a Manichean antagonism between the good people and the corrupt elite. Research at the intersection of populism and affective polarization highlights a growing divide between populists and ‘anti-populists’. A significant portion of this literature emphasizes the unique positioning of populist radical right (PRR) parties. This chapter reviews the main literature on populism and affective polarization and draws on related concepts such as nativism, negative partisanship, and populist communication. It then outlines recommendations for future research, including opening the field to more diverse cases, disentangling various conceptualizations and measurements, and paying more attention to the populist radical left. Finally, the chapter delves into the conceptual similarities between both concepts and examines implications and opportunities for the field.