Country-level instability is related to a stronger perceived climate of polarization across 44 countries

Deep-seated partisan animosity and aversion present challenges across the global political landscape, yet little is known about how individuals perceive the climate of polarization in their societies or the broader societal conditions that shape these perceptions. Drawing on a dataset spanning 44 countries (N = 8917), we examined how macro-level indicators of dysfunction and disruption relate to the perceived climate of polarization - that is, the degree to which people believe major voter groups in their society dislike, distrust, and distance themselves from one another. We also tested whether perceptions of anomie in society - specifically, a perceived breakdown in the leadership and social fabric - may partially explain these relationships. Our analyses revealed stronger perceptions of partisan antipathy and distance in countries facing conditions linked to broader systemic instability, including high economic inequality, violence, weak governance, and a fragmented digital media landscape. Perceptions of anomie in society may partially explain these links. By contrast, no significant associations were found for environmental and public health indicators or the strength of democracy. These results suggest perceptions of a polarized societal climate may be linked to dysfunctional and disruptive economic, political, governmental, and social conditions that spark a felt sense of instability and disorder.