Polarised discourse is both a sign of and a prerequisite for a vibrant democracy, and is necessary for reaching compromises in politics and society. However, when polarisation leads to entrenched positions and unbridgeable divides – as we are currently seeing in the USA and increasingly observing as a trend in European countries – it becomes a threat to democracy. 

In this masterclass, participants will learn about the mechanisms and dynamics of polarisation that is harmful to democracy. They will discover that polarisation is a highly emotional process which is influenced and deliberately manipulated by anti-democratic forces using trigger points. How, and under what conditions, can we succeed in breaking through the ‘emotional barrier’ between polarised people and re-establish the basis for democratic dialogue? When and how should one end a conversation if the other person has no interest in reaching an understanding and rejects – or even seeks to destroy – democratic culture?

Sonja Jöchtl and Winfried Kneip from Love Politics provide an initial insight, both in theory and in practice, into methods for recognising the motives behind the ‘other side’s’ polarised stance and for acting appropriately and professionally – rather than merely reacting.They also highlight ways to halt the ‘carousel of outrage’ before it leads to a division in society, to recognise the ‘trigger points’ where polarisation flares up, and to prevent escalation through preventive measures.