Symmetrical vs Asymmetrical Polarization: A Comparative Analysis of Brazil and the United States
Polarization is a term that is often used to describe the political landscape of many countries in the world today. But what does it mean exactly? And how does it differ from one context to another? In this article, we will explore the concept of polarization and its two main types: symmetrical and asymmetrical. We will also examine how these types of polarization manifest themselves in two prominent cases: Brazil and the United States.
Polarization, in general, refers to the process by which political actors and groups become more distant and antagonistic towards each other, reducing the possibilities of dialogue, compromise and cooperation. Polarization can affect various aspects of politics, such as parties, ideologies, identities, values, institutions and policies. However, not all forms of polarization are equal. Depending on the degree and nature of the divergence between the opposing sides, we can distinguish between symmetrical and asymmetrical polarization.
Symmetrical polarization occurs when both sides of the political spectrum move away from the center and towards the extremes, creating a balanced but radicalized scenario. In this case, the political actors and groups share a similar level of intensity, cohesion and mobilization, as well as a similar degree of rejection and hostility towards the other side. Symmetrical polarization tends to produce a high level of conflict and instability, as well as a low level of representation and legitimacy.
Asymmetrical polarization occurs when only one side of the political spectrum moves away from the center and towards the extreme, creating an unbalanced and distorted scenario. In this case, the political actors and groups on one side are more intense, cohesive and mobilized than those on the other side, as well as more rejecting and hostile towards the other side. Asymmetrical polarization tends to produce a high level of domination and manipulation, as well as a low level of accountability and responsiveness.
One example of symmetrical polarization is Brazil, a country that has been divided between two sides of opposite and extreme populism since the 2010s. On one side, there is Lula da Silva, the current president, who represents a left-wing populism that appeals to the poor and marginalized sectors of society with a discourse of social justice and inclusion. On the other side, there is Jair Bolsonaro, former president, who represents a right-wing populism that appeals to the middle class and conservative sectors of society with a discourse of law and order and nationalism.
Both Lula and Bolsonaro have polarized the Brazilian society by presenting themselves as the only alternative to save the country from corruption, crisis and chaos. They have also polarized Brazilian politics by undermining the democratic institutions and norms that could constrain their power and ambition. They have mobilized their supporters with a high level of emotionality and loyalty while demonizing their opponents with a high level of animosity and intolerance. As a result, Brazil has become a highly conflictive and unstable country, where dialogue, compromise and cooperation are almost impossible.
Another example of polarization is the United States, but in this case, it is asymmetrical. The United States has been experiencing a growing divergence between its two major parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, since the 1980s. However, this divergence has not been symmetrical. While both parties have moved away from the center over time, they have done so at different rates and directions. The Democrats have moved slightly to the left while maintaining a moderate and pragmatic stance on most issues. The Republicans have moved sharply to the right while adopting an extreme and uncompromising stance on most issues.
The asymmetry between the two parties has become more evident in recent years, especially with the rise of Donald Trump, the former president and leader of the Republican Party (GOP), who represents a far right-wing populism that appeals to white working-class voters with a discourse of resentment and grievance. Trump has polarised American society by spreading lies, conspiracy theories and hatred against his perceived enemies: immigrants, minorities, liberals, media, etc. He has also polarized American politics by attacking democratic institutions and norms that could limit his authority and influence. He has rallied his followers with a high level of fervor and devotion while vilifying his rivals with a high level of aggression and contempt. As a result, the United States has become a highly divided country, where accountability, responsiveness and representation are severely compromised.
