Authoritarian Divide
Populism, Propaganda, and Polarization

By (author) Orçun Selçuk

ISBN13: 9780268208080

Imprint: University of Notre Dame Press

Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Published: 15/06/2026

Availability: Not yet available

Description
In the context of the global decline of democracy, The Authoritarian Divide analyzes the tactics that populist leaders in Turkey, Venezuela, and Ecuador have used to polarize their countries. Political polarization is traditionally viewed as the result of competing left/right ideologies. In The Authoritarian Divide, Orçun Selçuk argues that, regardless of ideology, polarization is driven by dominant populist leaders who deliberately divide constituents by cultivating a dichotomy of inclusion and exclusion. This practice, known as affective leader polarization, stymies compromise and undermines the democratic process. Drawing on multiple qualitative and quantitative methodologies for support, as well as content from propaganda media such as public speeches, Muhtar Meetings, Aló Presidente, and Enlace Ciudadano, Selçuk details and analyzes the tactics used by three well-known populist leaders to fuel affective leader polarization: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Turkey, Hugo Chávez in Venezuela, and Rafael Correa in Ecuador. Selçuk's work provides a rubric for a better understanding of—and potential defense against—the rise in polarizing populism across the globe.
List of Figures List of Tables Preface Acknowledgements List of Abbreviations Introduction 1. A Theory of Populism, Polarization, and Opposition 2. Affective Leader Polarization in Turkey, Venezuela, and Ecuador 3. Inclusionary and Exclusionary Populism in Turkey under Erdoğan 4. Inclusionary and Exclusionary Populism in Venezuela under Chávez 5. Inclusionary and Exclusionary Populism in Ecuador under Correa 6. Opposition to Affective Leader Polarization in Turkey, Venezuela, and Ecuador Comparative Conclusions Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Bibliography
  • Comparative politics
  • Political ideologies
  • Professional & Vocational
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List Price: £35.00