A Longitudinal Study on the Dynamic Relationship Between Affective Polarization and Radical Right’s Emergence

The Case of VOX in Spain

Datos Bibliográficos

ID6345751
AutoresJosep M Comellas (0000-0002-9577-0555, Universitat Autonòma de Barcelona), Mariano Torcal (0000-0002-0060-1522, Universitat Pompeu Fabra), Mariano Torcal Loríente (Universitat Pompeu Fabra)
Año2025
Fecha de publicación2025-05-28
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaPolitical Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0032-3217 • E-ISSN: 1467-9248
EditorialSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/00323217251340890
OpenAlexW4410806727
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas81

Previous evidence highlights significant levels of animosity between supporters of radical right parties and those of other parties, contributing to overall affective polarization. However, there is limited understanding of the dynamics between the electoral emergence of radical right parties and affective polarization. We argue that out-party animosity is not only a potential consequence of radical right parties success but also a driver of their rise. Initially, centre-right partisans exhibiting relatively high levels of hostility towards left-wing voters are more likely to shift their support to an emerging radical right party, accounting for their positions on key issues. Subsequently, the irruption of a radical right party triggers a double defensive reaction among non-radical right party supporters: (a) the rapid development of strong antagonism towards radical right voters; and (b) a de-escalation of mutual hostility between left-wing and centre-right voters. We support these arguments with evidence from a Spanish panel dataset that captures the rise of the radical right party VOX

Polarization (electrochemistry · Political science · Politics · Radical right · Chemistry · Electoral Systems and Political Participation · Law · Populism, Right-Wing Movements · Psychology · Social Policy and Reform Studies