Work

Political polarization in Portugal-analysis of affective polarization using large languages models

Year: 2026

Type: dissertation

Abstract: Political polarization has become a growing concern in Portugal as new parties reshape parliamentary dynamics. This thesis analyses how affective political polarization evolved since 2015, emphasizing changes in emotional hostility and inter-party antagonism. This study uses an ensemble of large language models to classify interventions as polarized or non-polarized. The analysis identifies a marked intensification of affective polarization after 2021. This shift coincides with the parliamentary consolidation of Chega, who consistently exhibits the highest affective polarization scores in parliament, distinguishing it from other political actors.

Source: Portuguese National Funding Agency for Science, Research and Technology (RCAAP Project by FCT)

Author: Gonçalves, Joana Mansos Aroeira

Language: English

Topic: Populism, Right-Wing Movements

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia

Awards: G3434864815, G388523895, Nova School of Business and Economics - Unidade de Investigação

OpenAlex ID: W7198364928

Cites: 24

Cited by:

Related to: 10