"Political polarization" describes the increasing ideological distance and hostility between political groups in contemporary society. This phenomenon often results in a stark divide along party lines, impacting public discourse, policymaking, and social interactions. Polarization can lead to extreme partisanship, where collaboration between opposing parties becomes challenging. As individuals and communities become more entrenched in their views, political engagement can devolve into conflict rather than compromise, resulting in societal fragmentation and diminished democratic processes.