What impact does political polarization have on democratic processes and governance in different countries?

Political polarization can undermine democratic processes by fostering gridlock, reducing cooperation, and hampering effective governance. It can lead to increased partisanship, making it difficult to find common ground on important issues. Additionally, extreme polarization may contribute to a breakdown in trust in institutions and create an environment where compromise becomes challenging. Ultimately, the impact varies across countries, but excessive polarization generally poses risks to the functioning of democratic systems.