Political violence risk grows as polarization deepens – Willis – Insurance Business America

Political violence risk grows as polarization deepens – Willis – Insurance Business America

Global Rise in Affective Polarization: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of Affective Polarization

Recent data indicates that affective polarization, defined as the extent to which individuals perceive opposing political parties as adversaries, has reached an unprecedented global peak. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in countries already grappling with violent political conflicts.

Countries Experiencing Sharp Increases

The most significant rises in affective polarization are observed in established democracies, including:

  1. United States
  2. Germany
  3. India
  4. Brazil
  5. Bulgaria

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Affective polarization poses challenges to multiple SDGs, notably:

  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Heightened political polarization undermines social cohesion and the effective functioning of democratic institutions, impeding peaceful and inclusive societies.
  • SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Polarization can exacerbate social and political inequalities, hindering efforts to promote inclusive decision-making.
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – Political division limits collaboration across sectors and nations, which is essential for achieving the SDGs.

Conclusion

Addressing the rise in affective polarization is critical for advancing sustainable development globally. Strengthening democratic processes and fostering inclusive dialogue are essential strategies to mitigate polarization and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

  1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    • The article discusses affective polarization and political conflict, which relate directly to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, justice, and effective institutions.
  2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
    • Polarization often exacerbates social inequalities and divisions within societies, which connects to the goal of reducing inequalities within and among countries.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

  1. SDG 16 Targets
    • 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
    • 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
    • 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
  2. SDG 10 Targets
    • 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

  1. Affective Polarization Index
    • The article explicitly mentions an index measuring affective polarization, which can serve as an indicator of social and political division.
  2. Incidence of Violent Political Conflict
    • Reference to countries experiencing violent political conflict implies the use of indicators tracking the frequency and severity of political violence.
  3. Democratic Participation and Representation
    • Implied indicators could include measures of political participation, inclusiveness, and representation in democratic processes.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • 16.1: Reduce all forms of violence and related death rates
  • 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions
  • 16.7: Ensure inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making
  • Affective Polarization Index
  • Incidence of violent political conflict
  • Measures of political participation and representation
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  • 10.2: Promote social, economic and political inclusion of all
  • Indicators related to social and political inclusion (implied)
  • Affective Polarization Index (as a measure of social division)

Source: insurancebusinessmag.com