Keeping Our Enemies Closer
Political Dialogue in Polarized Democracies
Book •
In 'Keeping Our Enemies Closer,' Rachel Wahl explores how structured dialogues between political opponents can change perceptions, reduce hostility, and foster civic recognition despite persistent disagreement.
Drawing on qualitative studies of conversations across ideological divides, the book traces how participants come to personalize opponents, recognize moral intentions, and sometimes see coherence in opposing views.
Wahl assesses both the democratic goods of dialogue itself and its instrumental effects on civic attitudes and behaviors.
The work situates dialogue practices within broader institutional and cultural settings, considering risks like moral equivocation and exploitation.
Through interviews and longitudinal follow-up, the book offers insights into when dialogue promotes inclusion and civic resilience in polarized societies.
Drawing on qualitative studies of conversations across ideological divides, the book traces how participants come to personalize opponents, recognize moral intentions, and sometimes see coherence in opposing views.
Wahl assesses both the democratic goods of dialogue itself and its instrumental effects on civic attitudes and behaviors.
The work situates dialogue practices within broader institutional and cultural settings, considering risks like moral equivocation and exploitation.
Through interviews and longitudinal follow-up, the book offers insights into when dialogue promotes inclusion and civic resilience in polarized societies.
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Peter Levine
Rachel Wahl
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