Dynamics of polarisation beyond bipartisan divides

For many years, research on political polarisation was dominated by US-based studies with a focus on bipartisan polarisation (i.e., the ever-increasing animosity between Republican and Democrat politicians and their party supporters). As research in the field has expanded to include other socio-political contexts, a more nuanced understanding of polarisation was developed. Across five talks, this symposium showcases research where polarisation is conceptualised as a complex process characterised by dimensions of (opinion and structural) differentiation and dynamics of collective identity development and performance. Our presentations highlight the importance of both intragroup and intergroup influence dynamics in polarisation at the same time considering the role of online platforms and media consumption in relation to highly divisive political issues such as Brexit in the UK and gun control in the US. Finally, the symposium illustrates the increasing methodological diversity and interdisciplinarity within this exciting area of research (including social network analyses, cross-sectional survey, qualitative analyses, computational modelling approaches, etc.).