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#Expert Research: “The polarization paradox: How state wealth and online media consumption affect polarization”

Augusta University's Dr. Lance Hunter's latest paper published in 'World Affairs.'

Sep 12, 2025

2 min

Lance Hunter, PhD


Augusta University's Lance Hunter, PhD, was recently published in the highly acclaimed World Affairs.


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His article “The polarization paradox: How state wealth and online media consumption affect polarization” highlights his expertise and insight on this very important topic, especially as America faces division and tension.


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Here's the abstract:


Previous valuable scholarship has found that wealth inequality can affect political polarization within states. However, less is known regarding how overall levels of state wealth and online media consumption affect polarization. Thus, this study examines how state wealth and online media consumption affect polarization in 157 states from multiple regions and levels of development from 2000 to 2022. When including standard controls and controlling for potential endogeneity, the findings reveal that greater state wealth and online media consumption are associated with increased polarization. The rationale for the findings is that greater state wealth and online media consumption increase the prevalence of postmaterialist values within states that often clash with materialist values, leading to heightened polarization. These findings have important implications in considering how state wealth and online media consumption interact to influence polarization cross-nationally.



Read the Article Here:



Hunter is an assistant professor of political science with a background in international relations. His research focuses on how terrorist attacks influence politics in democratic countries and how political decisions within countries affect conflicts worldwide. His work has appeared in journals such as: Journal of Peace Research, Terrorism and Political Violence, Party Politics, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, Armed Forces and Society, Conflict, Security and Development and the International Journal of Data Analysis Techniques and Strategies. Hunter teaches courses in international relations, security studies and research methods.


Interested in learning more - let us help. Lance Hunter, PhD, is available to speak with media about this important topic - simply click on his icon to arrange an interview today.




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Lance Hunter, PhD

Lance Hunter, PhD

Professor of Political Science

Dr. Lance Hunter studies the connection between terrorism and political stability in democracies.

PoliticsTerrorismInternational RelationsVotingCivil Liberties

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