Pakistan, May 5 -- The long-term adverse effects of a polarized nation extend beyond immediate social unrest to the erosion of the fabric of democracy itself. Polarization undermines the possibility of constructive dialogue, marginalizes moderate voices, and makes bipartisan or cross-party cooperation increasingly difficult. This attrition of democratic norms can lead to an entrenchment of authoritarian tendencies, as leaders can exploit divisions to consolidate power. These often come at the expense of democratic freedoms and the rule of law.

The narratives pushed by Trump, Modi, and Khan have been linked to acts of violence, hate crimes, and societal unrest. For example, Trump's take on immigration and racial issues has been criticized...