04/06/2026
What happens when people are simply asked to think about an ‘enemy’ group before discussing political issues?
New research from Frankfurt School, led by Professor Frederik Schwerter alongside Professor Nicola Gennaioli and Professor Guido Tabellini from Università Bocconi and CEPR - Centre for Economic Policy Research, shows that this alone can increase political disagreement by 8 to 35 per cent - without new facts, policy arguments or misinformation.
Based on responses from nearly 13,000 people in the US, the study highlights how quickly ‘us versus them’ framing can shape beliefs and deepen division.
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The study from Frankfurt School shows that reflecting on a perceived outgroup can increase disagreement on political issues by 8 to 35 percent.