A bibliometric analysis of affective polarization research trends in Asia
摘要
Affective polarization, marked by deep emotional divides among political groups, has become a pressing global concern with far-reaching social and political consequences. This study presents the first bibliometric analysis of scholarly research on affective polarization in Asia, providing a systematic and contextualized overview of academic trends, knowledge production, and thematic developments in the region. In line with the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a comprehensive review using SCOPUS and Web of Science databases, and analysed 80 key articles published from 1989 to 2023. Bibliometric analysis was performed using Biblioshiny within R Studio. The findings reveal a marked increase in research over the past decade, particularly between 2018 and 2023, reflecting heightened scholarly interest in affective polarization across Asian contexts. China and South Korea emerged as leading contributors, while countries such as India and regions like Central Asia remain underrepresented. Communication studies dominated in publication output, underscoring the critical role of media and digital platforms in influencing political attitudes. Thematic mapping showed a dynamic research landscape increasingly focused on the interplay between affective polarization, social media use, political communication, and social fragmentation. By revealing emerging themes and regional disparities, this study provides essential insights for scholars, institutions, and policymakers aiming to understand and address political division in Asia. The findings highlights the urgent need for more regionally inclusive and interdisciplinary studies, as well as policy interventions that promote social unity and reduce emotional-political tensions. We recommend future research to examine the psychological, communicative, and institutional factors that can either intensify or mitigate affective polarization in diverse Asian societies.