From Democracy Battlefronts to Wartime Unity: Exploring Morality and Shifting Sociopolitical Attitudes amidst Crisis

• In Event: Comparative Politics Lightning Round

Abstract

This study explores the moral fabric of democratic societies in distress, providing nuanced insights into the evolution of sociopolitical attitudes and political engagement amid shifting crisis contexts. Set in Israel in 2023, our original 3-wave panel survey, involving 600 participants, captures a significant shift from domestic ingroup conflicts, characterized by deteriorating social cohesion and values following a democracy backsliding, to a state of war and an outgroup terror threat following a major attack. By emphasizing this profound transition from intragroup to intergroup dynamics, we examine how ingroup moralization, moral disengagement, and the burden of moral overload collectively influence individuals' societal values and political involvement. This research underscores the pivotal role of morality in crisis response, offering insights into the intricate challenges faced by democratic societies. Furthermore, our study investigates the correlation between traditional political participation and pro-social engagement, deepening our understanding of collective action tendencies amidst multifaceted challenges. In a world where democratic nations confront unparalleled challenges, this investigation provides substantial insights into the evolution of moral resilience and the nurturing of sociopolitical cohesion amid evolving societal dynamics.

Authors

• Ilona Hillel Goldner

• Pazit Ben-Nun Bloom, Hebrew University of Jerusalem