Patterns of polarization: Transnational dynamics in climate change online networks in the US and Switzerland

Häussler, Thomas (2019). Patterns of polarization: Transnational dynamics in climate change online networks in the US and Switzerland. The information society, 35(4), pp. 184-197. Taylor & Francis 10.1080/01972243.2019.1614707

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Research into hyperlink interaction patterns has been particularly interested in whether they integrate the online space or segregate it into “echo chambers.” Concentrating on contentious politics in national settings, the existing studies have mainly examined the relationships between domestic actors, mostly bloggers. This study seeks to expand the focus by including several actor types, allowing their connective actions to reach beyond national borders, and employing a comparative approach that contrasts high- with low-contentious contexts. Analyzing climate change hyperlink networks originating in the US and Switzerland, the results show that their transnational dimension plays a crucial role in polarizing the discourse, regardless of the specific political context. We find similar patterns that segregate climate advocates from skeptics and lead to distinct transnational relationships within the camps. The results demonstrate that countermovement actors in particular are able to forge strong transnational alliances.

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