Politics & Governance / Domestic Politics / Political Parties & Movements

Trade Shocks and Political Polarization in the United States: This study explores the profound impac

贸易冲击与美国政治极分化 Trade Shocks and Political Polarization in the United States: This study explores the profound impact of China's surge in imports on the polarization of American politics. Analyzing data from 2002 to 2010, the authors found that regions severely affected by trade shocks exhibited a clear trend towards ideological extremism in their elected members of Congress. Specifically, predominantly white districts affected by the trade shocks were more inclined to elect far-right Republicans, while minority-majority districts were more likely to shift towards liberal Democrats. This economic pressure led to a significant loss of moderate politicians in elections, further exacerbating partisan polarization. Furthermore, the study indicates that the impact of trade on employment for African American and white men was a key factor driving this political shift. In short, the economic pain in localized labor markets, by reinforcing group identity and anxiety about resource competition, has become a significant contributing factor to the fragmentation of the American political landscape.