Populism, Conflict and Political Polarization, 2021-2023

This project explored how the circulation of ideas, arguments and discourses within local civil society has contributed to the rise of populism and polarisation of politics in the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and what part civil society can play in addressing social and political polarisation. We examined the relationship between polarising viewpoints at local community and national levels and the role civil society plays at engaging communities in these issues. In-depth interviews were undertaken in the United Kingdom and in New Hampshire and Vermont in the United States of America.