Elites, Leadership, and the Shaping of Political Divides

Abstract

Political elites occupy a central position in contemporary democratic conflict. Through rhetoric, leadership styles, institutional roles, and symbolic representation, they shape how citizens interpret political competition, evaluate opponents, and relate to democratic norms. This panel brings together contributions that examine elites not merely as strategic actors, but as focal points through which political emotions, attitudes, and expectations are structured and contested.

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The Polarizing Effect of Political Attacks: How Elite Discourse Fuels Affective Polarization	View Paper Details
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