Multi-dimensional & Context-Free Assessment of Political Extremism

Amir Freund Reichman University

Ph.D. research proposal

Under the supervision of Prof. Sivan Hirsch-Hoefler (Reichman University) and Dr. Julia Elad-Strenger (Bar Ilan University)

Research on political extremism is hindered by the absence of a shared definition and by two core limitations: its conceptualization and operationalization often lack multidimensionality and are highly context-specific, varying across ideological, socio-political, and historical settings.

This research develops a context-independent, multi-dimensional framework for conceptualizing and measuring political extremism. The proposed framework provides a standardized assessment instrument (political extremism gauge), enabling systematic comparisons across temporal periods, socio-political contexts, and ideological orientations.

Three empirical studies validate this framework's theoretical and practical utility. Study 1 replicates cross-sectional analyses using global survey data to establish the framework's capacity for unbiased cross-population comparisons. Study 2 examines destabilizing events' effects on political extremism across Israeli demographic groups, demonstrating within-group comparative validity. Study 3 employs experimental methodology to test threat perception as a mediating mechanism between destabilizing events and political extremism, illustrating the framework's potential for theoretical advancement.

This study's primary academic contribution is developing infrastructure for continuous political extremism assessment, which will ultimately enable more effective interventions to mitigate democratic backsliding, political instability, and violence

For Registration https://www.eventer.co.il/research03072025