Political Polarization: Lessons from the United States for Latin America
On September 19, 2024, the Georgetown Americas Institute hosted Horacio Larreguy, associate professor of economics and political science at the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México (ITAM), for a comparative discussion on political polarization in Latin America and the United States moderated by Renee Bowen, economist and Dean’s Professor of International Business and Global Affairs at Georgetown University. Both Larreguy and Bowen discussed how critical it is to address the issue of rising polarization, largely because it has the potential to spur political violence.
According to Larreguy’s research, political and social polarization has been on the rise in Latin America for the last two decades resulting in the democratic erosion seen across the region today. He noted that although some countries have seen increased polarization, like Argentina, and others more persistent rates, like Chile, polarization is causing significant stress to the region’s political systems.
Factors that Contribute to Polarization
Larreguy identified three factors that have contributed to rising polarization: more expansive internet coverage, increased division within online media outlets, and rising immigrant populations largely as a result of the economic crisis in Venezuela (which mostly affects Colombia). Each of these three factors contributes to polarization by creating the formation of echo chambers, the production of biased media information, and facilitating the rise of divisive elites.
Looking at similarities of how polarization has been on the rise in the United States, Larreguy mentioned that each of these three elements—formation of echo chambers, production of biased media information, and the rise of divisive elites—can also be seen in the United States.
Larreguy spoke in depth about the production of biased media information.
“[Individuals] read things that are consistent with prior beliefs… no one wants to be proved wrong.”
This places people further into their camp of beliefs and prevents them from understanding the other side.
Potential Solutions to Polarization
Turning to potential solutions to rising polarization that Latin America could learn from the United States, Larreguy mentioned the importance of enhancing conversations between opposing sides, highlighting similarities on either side to build unity, and content moderation to limit the dissemination of false information. Above all else, Larreguy said that it is critical to engage with the opposing side and promote open mindedness.
Larreguy also noted lessons that the United States can take from Latin America. He mentioned how there needs to be greater attention to the diversity of beliefs that already exist within the United States, and that the country should also address growing issues of mistrust towards the media.
During the question and answer session, Larreguy addressed the difference between two-party systems and multiparty systems. He argued that in a multiparty system, polarization has a more negative impact as it tends to create democratic stagnation, as exemplified in the case of Peru.
The paper presented by Larreguy was partially financed by the Georgetown Americas Institute and was co-authored with Ernesto Tiburcio from Tufts University.