Navigating the Politics of Othering in 2025

Othering has been one of the most effective tools used to gain power by those who would weaken our constitutional democracy to gain power.

Freedom, family and faith remain core American values, but divisions over identity, power and belonging are widening. This research — grounded in a national survey of over 2,600 voters — explores how different groups see change, and where common ground still exists.

Othering has long been used to gain and hold power — by casting certain groups as threats to status, safety and identity. Today, it’s a central tool for those seeking to erode democracy. We must understand its impact, learn to counter it and hold its political architects accountable.

For survey findings from Hart Research and takeaways on specific topics, you can download the slide deck below. There is also a supplementary deck on the findings among voters under age 30, illustrating how this group can lead the way in resisting othering tactics.