Partisan Polarization Explains Intensity of Right-Wing Opposition to Ukraine

In a recent article for The Dispatch, David French examines the intensity of right-wing opposition to Ukraine and argues that partisan polarization is at the root of it. According to French, this polarization has been steadily increasing since the 2016 election and has now reached a fever pitch. French points out that while there are legitimate reasons for opposing certain aspects of Ukraine’s foreign policy, many on the right have taken their criticism too far. He cites examples such as President Trump’s personal attacks on Ukrainian leaders and his baseless claims about corruption in the country. These actions, he argues, are driven by an intense desire to discredit anything associated with former Vice President Joe Biden or other Democrats. French also notes that this same dynamic can be seen in other areas as well. For example, he writes that Republicans have become increasingly vocal in their opposition to immigration reform and gun control measures despite overwhelming public support for both issues. This suggests that these positions are being driven more by political posturing than any real conviction or concern about policy outcomes. Ultimately, French concludes that partisan polarization is not only a major factor in explaining why so many on the right oppose Ukraine but also why they do so with such intensity. He calls on both sides of the aisle to put aside their differences and focus instead on finding common ground where possible in order to make progress on important issues like foreign policy and immigration reform.