ISS FLASH TALKS: Safeguarding Democracy: Polarization, Populism, and Post-Truth

Why do citizens support leaders who undermine democratic institutions? Recent research suggests that authoritarian leaders mobilize followers through identity-based appeals, deploy gendered imagery, and exploit online platforms to spread their message, where algorithms and user preferences amplify hostile and moralized content. Interventions such as fact-checks and polarization-reduction strategies—including personalized approaches powered by large language models—demonstrate measurable benefits, yet their effects often fade in divisive media environments. This symposium examines these dynamics and considers how democracies can build lasting resilience in the face of evolving authoritarian tactics.