Diplomacy vs. Polarization: The Problems of Modern Politics

In a democracy, it is a common belief that the biggest threat is external foes; however, it is important to acknowledge the much bigger threat, which is the internal divisions. This claim seems to feel significantly truer in light of this quote, “Republicans and Democrats are more focused on fighting each other than on solving problems” (Pew Research Center, 2023). Political division in democracy has become far too prevalent that it frequently paralyzes a government’s ability to operate smoothly. Political polarization is a detrimental trend being observed both in the United States and globally.

(The Dallas Morning News, 2022)

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In December 2024, the United States narrowly avoided a government shutdown. The events that caused such panic were direct examples of divisions between Republicans and Democrats. Although it was widely emphasized that both parties prioritized keeping the government funded, the delay of an agreement told a completely different story. It is evident that instead of collaborative diplomacy to pass an agreed budget, lawmakers were too busy with brinkmanship using the looming government shutdown as leverage to push forward their own agendas. Negotiations for an agreement were continuously stalled due to both sides being more focused on blaming each other rather than coming together for the national interest. 

(Tri-County Independent, 2018)

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So what was the result? 

Federal workers and contractors faced weeks of uncertainty, important American services were put in danger, and the trust in the government by its citizens was at a low. The possibilities of a government shutdown illustrate not only how polarization can delay solutions but also harm the daily lives of citizens.

(The Korea Times, 2022)

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The current situation in South Korea is one that is very similar to America’s. President Yoon Suk Yeol has faced extreme criticism from his opposing lawmakers. The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) are the greatest critics of the president, while his conservative administration, Yoon’s People Power Party (PPP) continues to back the now impeached president. The DPK and PPP are continuously engaged in legislative tension, which prevents both parties from making any significant reform on important issues in Korea like housing, unemployment, and economic inequality. As South Korean investigators continue to attempt to arrest Yoon Suk Yeol, polarization is still occurring and alienating the Korean citizens. Many South Koreans believe that especially in times like these, their leaders are more focussed on individual political survival rather than on the national interest.

These parallels between the United States and South Korea illustrate this detrimental effect of how democracies globally are being harmed by partisan divide. When leaders focus on scoring individual points rather than solving problems, trust towards the government ends up tearing apart. If democracy is to survive moving forward, lawmakers need to put their political selfishness behind and work to collaborate towards addressing the real issues in society.