Jewish Nationalism and Affective Polarization in Israel

• In Event: Foundations of Affective Polarization

Abstract

A bourgeoning literature has examined the influence of religious nationalism on public opinion, largely focused on Christian nationalism. This study examines Jewish nationalism’s influence on Israeli public opinion using the Israel Polarization Panel. It finds that Jewish nationalism is associated with conservative political preferences and right-wing voting. They express greater affective polarization. Consistent with the affective polarization literature, they subsequently are less sharing in the dictator game when paired with left-wing voters. This study thus extends our knowledge of the effects of religious nationalism and the socoi-political risks of affective polarization.

Author

• Hannah Ridge, Chapman University