This course explores the syndrome of polarization as a unique affliction of democracies, leading to both political conflict, paralysis, and authoritarianism. In this course, students will examine the political, social, and psychological drivers of polarization and the remedies we might seek in the traditional sectors of democracy and from the global peacebuilding experience. In this course, students will choose an international country case study to diagnose drivers of polarization and design strategies to address it drawing on the analytical and programmatic tools explored in the course. Guidance for selecting the country and writing the case study will be provided on the first day of the course.
Please visit the Office of the Registrar for more information about this course.