The Impact of Out-Party Cues on U.S. Views of External Threat

• In Event: Attitudes Related to International Relations and Foreign Policy

Abstract

This study examines the “China Consensus” in American politics, a critical case of democratic retrenchment and potential renovation. Analyzing a survey of 3,700 American adults, it investigates how bipartisan consensus is shaped by political cues in a polarized society, particularly regarding the perceived threat from China. The results highlight an asymmetry: Republican cues significantly increase threat perception among Democrats, but Democratic cues have little effect on Republicans. This finding underscores a peril of democracy: the entrenchment of partisan biases impeding informed deliberation and consensus. However, it also opens avenues for democratic renovation: strategic political communication from out-party elites can bridge partisan divides, crucial for national security and democratic health. This study contributes to understanding the dynamics of polarization and the role of political cues in fostering democratic resilience, offering insights for renewing democratic promises through improved political discourse and policymaking.

Author

• Shane Hsuan-Yu Lin, Academia Sinica