Depolarization in Nationalist Conflicts: Evidence from Catalonia

To what extent has Catalan society depolarized over the national question after the failed 2017 push for unilateral secession? What factors have shaped the evolution of depolarization in Catalonia? This presentation conceptualizes affective depolarization as the process by which individuals moderate their negative perceptions of the opponents. Preliminary findings suggest that Catalan society has depolarized, albeit only moderately. We contend that the main reason behind this is shifting party needs and interests. In recent years, the exchange of parliamentary support at regional and central levels (ERC and PSOE) and the need to rethink pro-independence strategies have moderated party discourses and stances.