A Curse or a Blessing? The Associations of Political Knowledge With Partisan Hostility and Condonation of Political Violence

Abstract This study examines the complex associations of political knowledge with affective polarization and attitudes toward political violence in contemporary U.S. politics. Utilizing data from the 2024 American National Election Studies pre-election survey, the analysis highlights political knowledge's dual roles—as both a potential catalyst for partisan animosity and a critical resource promoting democratic stability. Consistent with recent research, more politically knowledgeable individuals tend to express intensified negative feelings toward opposing political parties, and this tendency is particularly pronounced among individuals who attach less importance to their partisan identity. In the meantime, increased political knowledge is also significantly associated with reduced condonation of political violence, particularly among those who perceive their partisan identity as highly central to their self-concept. These findings highlight the dual-edged, context-dependent nature of political knowledge, underscoring the need for a nuanced understanding of its implications in contemporary democratic societies.