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The Polarization Escalation Ladder

How Polarization Develops...

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Polarization Phase 1:

Open Belief and Debate

 

We disagree with others and try to convince them with facts.

Over the past twenty years, it has become increasingly difficult to engage in normal conversations when we think differently.

The phrase "We agree to disagree" seems to be forgotten.

This doesn’t mean there weren’t any anger or emotions in the past. There certainly were.

But because of the phrase “We agree to disagree,” it wasn’t a problem to continue getting along despite our differences.

Polarization Phase 2:

Passive-Aggressive Conviction


The other person refuses to listen to what we are saying or doesn’t understand our truth.

This makes us angry or frustrated. So, we try again, even harder. For example, you want to show why your way of working is better, but they just won’t listen.

That’s why you start searching for more proof. Maybe you say: “Look, here’s an article that proves I’m right!” Or you start shouting: “Why don’t you get it? It’s obvious!”

We try to demonstrate our point with more examples, arguments, and often with an irritated tone. But the harder we try, the less the other person wants to listen. It feels like we’re getting stuck in a loop.

Polarization Phase 2:

Passive-Aggressive Conviction


The other person refuses to listen to what we are saying or doesn’t understand our truth.

This makes us angry or frustrated. So, we try again, even harder. For example, you want to show why your way of working is better, but they just won’t listen.

That’s why you start searching for more proof. Maybe you say: “Look, here’s an article that proves I’m right!” Or you start shouting: “Why don’t you get it? It’s obvious!”

We try to demonstrate our point with more examples, arguments, and often with an irritated tone. But the harder we try, the less the other person wants to listen. It feels like we’re stuck in a loop.

We Let It Go... Or Do We...

 

When the other person still doesn't understand our truth, a decision moment arises. In this moment, we decide for ourselves how important it is to be right, and whether it's worthwhile to continue.

We check with like-minded people to see if they also agree that we are right. Usually, we receive confirmation, as everyone in our group (often) thinks the same way.

After such a moment, we return, even more convinced that...

1. We are right

2. Others MUST understand us to solve the problem

Polarization Phase 3

Subtle Urge and Resistance

 
When previous attempts fail, the belief arises that the other person is too stupid, or simply refuses to listen. At this point, there is only one option left: to protect them from themselves.
 
In this phase, social pressure, rules, and laws are used to change the behavior of others. This is done not only by the government but also by groups and organizations within society.

All of this happens with the belief that what they want to achieve is very important or even life-saving, and that there is clear evidence to support it.

Polarization Phase 3

Subtle Urge and Resistance

 
When previous attempts fail, the belief arises that the other person is too stupid or simply refuses to listen. At this point, there is only one option left: to protect them from themselves.
 
In this phase, social pressure, rules, and laws are used to change the behavior of others. This is done not only by the government but also by groups and organizations within society.

All of this happens with the belief that what they want to achieve is very important or even life-saving, and that there is clear evidence to support it.

Polarization Phase 4

Active Coercion

 
When it becomes clear that the other person refuses or is unable to understand, the idea arises that they must be brought to insight through laws and social pressure.
 

How it works:
Laws are formulated and enforced by institutions such as the government, municipalities, police, judges, and other services.

This happens with the support of a critical mass within the population, often referred to as "the majority." Social pressure plays a key role in influencing behavior and pushing through changes.

Polarization Phase 5

Escalation with Violence


When laws and social pressure don’t work and the other person continues to hold on to harmful or dangerous behavior, there is only one option left: forcing them to change their behavior, for their own good.

How it works:
This phase begins with legal prosecution of those who fail to understand the urgency or proposed solutions. Measures such as fines, confiscations, revocations of licenses, and other penalties are applied.

If that’s not enough, all possible means are used, and new laws are created if necessary to force behavior change.

Polarization Phase 5

Escalation with Violence


When laws, their enforcement, and social pressure don’t work, and the other person stubbornly holds onto behavior that is harmful or even seen as life-threatening, there is only one option left: to force the other person to change their behavior, supposedly for their own good.

How this works:
This phase begins with legal prosecution of those who fail to understand the urgency or solutions. Measures such as fines, confiscations, revocations of licenses, and other penalties are applied.

If that’s not enough, all possible means are used, and new laws are created if necessary to force behavior change.

Polarization Phase 6

The Flame Ignites

 

When the other person, even after intervention from legislation, still refuses to listen or change, a small group emerges that decides to take matters into their own hands. This may involve using physical violence and destroying the other person's property.

Why this happens:
This violence is often an expression of frustration and a sense of powerlessness. The belief that talking, persuading, rules, or social pressure no longer work leads to the feeling that violence is the only solution.

What starts with a small group can quickly grow into a larger number of people using violence and destruction. The flame ignites, but only after the pan has gotten hotter due to previous conflicts.

Polarization Phase 7

Extreme Violence

 

Once the flame has ignited, the fire can burn for years.

How long it lasts:
Historically, periods of extreme violence or civil war often last between 7 to 12 years. They usually end only when both parties are too exhausted to continue, and often no longer even know why they are fighting (!)...

Why it stops:
The realization slowly sets in that the conflict brings nothing but destruction—not only for the other side but also for one's own community, belongings, and infrastructure.

Polarization Phase 7

Extreme Violence

 

Once the flame has ignited, the fire can burn for years.

How long it lasts:
Historically, periods of extreme violence or civil war often last between 7 to 12 years. They usually end only when both parties are too exhausted to continue, and often no longer even know why they are fighting (!)...

Why it stops:
The realization slowly sets in that the conflict brings nothing but destruction—not only for the other side but also for one's own community, belongings, and infrastructure.

Polarization Phase 8

Waking Up from Frenzy

 

When the destruction and suffering become unbearable, people often wake up from a state of blind rage and fury.

The turning point:
At that moment, one looks around in shock, amazed at the immense suffering that has been caused. Not only to the other, but also to themselves. The realization sets in that the original reason for the conflict wasn’t worth it. Or that this path will never lead to a true solution.

The first steps toward recovery:
In this phase, people start to truly see the other again, including their fears and pain. This is the moment when the willingness to talk again emerges, and to search for solutions together. Solutions that both parties can agree on and that are acceptable to everyone.

Polarization Phase 9

Reconstruction


When everyone has 'come to their senses,' the focus shifts more and more in the same direction, and the period of reconstruction begins.

Reconstruction after a civil war or conflict usually takes 7 to 15 years, depending on the extent of the damage, the availability of resources, and the strength of social cohesion in the country.

During this period, countries generally experience more stability and unity. The collective mindset is: “Let’s all pull together,” as they work on economic, physical, and social recovery projects.

Polarization Phase 9

Reconstruction


When everyone has 'come to their senses,' the focus shifts more and more in the same direction, and the period of reconstruction begins.

The reconstruction phase after a civil war or conflict typically lasts between 7 to 15 years. This depends on factors such as the severity of the damage, the availability of resources, and the social cohesion within the country.

During this period, countries generally experience more stability and unity. The collective mindset is: “Let’s all pull together,” as they work on economic, physical, and social recovery projects.

Polarization Phase 10

New Tensions

- (re)starting phase 1 -


After 15-30 years, new tensions arise. Often when issues like political disputes, economic inequality, or feelings of revenge resurface.

How it works:
Countries that quickly build democracy and invest in economic growth after a conflict have a higher chance of lasting peace. However, if inequalities persist or issues remain unaddressed, things can go wrong again within 5 to 10 years.

The result:
The cycle begins again at phase 1, and tensions slowly rise.

The Lasting Solution...

To break out of the destructive polarization cycle once and for all, two steps are needed...

 

1. A Kick-Off Event

Where we will EXPERIENCE that we are meant to be TOGETHER. That we want the SAME thing.

2. Learn to Depolarize

Learn not to judge the other for what they do, but to understand WHY the other does what they do.

And then, TOGETHER, take action in a way that is GOOD for everyone.

Your Contribution is Crucial:

  • Sign up as a participant for the national kick-off event.
  • Become a volunteer and help make this possible.
  • Support financially as a donor.
  • Spread this message so the initiative goes viral.
I'm in!

If we do nothing now...

We are heading towards a societal crisis.

There is less and less understanding for each other. There is less and less cooperation. There is less and less empathy.


The process of polarization has set a dangerous dynamic in motion. A dynamic that resembles historical events, where small arguments escalated into major problems and chaos in society, ultimately leading to violence and senseless wars.

 

This doesn’t just sound dramatic...

And it really is!

Right now, there is so little respect and understanding for one another that many people believe violence is the only solution.

But it doesn’t have to be this way...

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