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Mobilization and Polarization in Central and Eastern Europe

Sat, September 7, 4:00 to 5:30pm, Pennsylvania Convention Center (PCC), 110B

Session Submission Type: Full Paper Panel

Session Description

This panel investigates the dynamics of societal mobilization and social polarization, focusing on responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, economic aftermath, and the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Focusing on the Czech case in a broader comparative CEE perspective, we explore responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, the repercussions of the subsequent economic crisis, and the implications of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. Specifically, we examine the interplay between mobilization, polarization and radicalization. Our exploration extends to the structures that emerged during these mobilizations, the factors contributing to their longevity and their ideological underpinnings.

Polarization and Democracy in Central Europe
Petra Guasti & Ales Michal (Charles University Prague)
This paper employs Bernhard's typology (2020), participant observation of 2022-2023 protests, and quasi-experimental data from the 2023 Czech presidential election to examine societal mobilization in Central Europe. Finally, we expand the potential democratic paths based on the Czech case and V-Dem data: democratic decay and resilience.

Polarization Dynamics: Anti-Pandemic Measures and Societal Impact in Czechia
Tomáš Cirhan & Jakub Stauber (Charles University Prague)
Using 30 waves of a longitudinal panel survey from 2020-2022, this paper explores perception differences among voters of different parties on Covid-19 measures. We reveal a consistent increase in polarization over time, especially among right-wing populist party supporters, closely linked to the intensified implementation of measures.

Symbolic Structuration and Populist Narratives
Johana Chylíková (Institute of Sociology, CAS)
This paper explores the symbolic structuration of Czech lower middle-class society by comparing symbolic perception and narrative content from three populist ideologies. This approach, proven insightful in understanding the success of Donald Trump's populist program, outlines mechanisms of social mobility, the framing of "the enemy," societal identity construction, perceived legitimacy of inequality, and willingness to engage in political or civil action.

Unveiling Far-Right Terrorism in Central Europe: The Bratislava Shooter's Manifesto in a Comparative Ideological Perspective
Jan Charvát (Charles University Prague)
In 2022, the targeted killing of two LGBT+ individuals in Bratislava triggered an investigation into far-right terrorism in Slovakia and Central Europe. This paper analyzes the Bratislava shooter's manifesto using mixed methods for qualitative and quantitative content analysis to identify ideological elements. A comparative analysis includes manifestos of other far-right figures, and identification of specific narratives and motivations that may have influenced the shooter, particularly in his relationship to religion, Russia, and the Covid-19 pandemic, presenting a perspective different from the mainstream approach of the far right.

Politics as a Social Compass: The Preeminence of Political Preferences in Shaping Social Interactions in the Czech Republic
Lenka Hrbková and Petr Voda (Masaryk Univeristy)
This paper explores how political preferences influence social interactions in the Czech Republic, compared to non-political factors. Employing a conjoint experiment with 2,000 participants, the study evaluates the effects of political affiliations, social status, and cultural tastes on interpersonal engagement. We find that political preferences have the strongest impact, both positive and negative.

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