Political Identity

Why do we choose sides? In an age of unprecedented political polarization, this is the most urgent question of our time. Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media or watching the news, completely bewildered by the beliefs of the "other side"? Have you wondered how people you know-friends, family, neighbors-can inhabit a political reality so radically different from your own? The feeling is not just disagreement; it's a profound, often painful disconnect, as if the very fabric of our shared world has been torn in two.
In Political Identity: Why We Choose Sides, technologist and researcher Al Mahmud Al Mamun provides the definitive, multi-disciplinary answer to how we got here. Moving beyond simplistic explanations, this landmark 24-chapter work synthesizes cutting-edge research from psychology, computer science, philosophy, and political science to create a comprehensive map of the tribal mind. It is a journey to the very roots of our convictions, revealing the powerful and often invisible forces that shape our most cherished beliefs.
Inside, you will discover: The Blueprint of Belief: Explore the surprising psychological and biological factors, from our innate personality traits to our core moral foundations, that predispose us to a liberal or conservative worldview. The Digital Divide: Go behind the screen to understand how social media algorithms, filter bubbles, and AI-powered "persuasion machines" are not just reflecting our divisions, but actively engineering them.
The Stories We Tell: Deconstruct the powerful narratives, myths, and symbols that political leaders use to forge a sense of shared identity and to define who is "us" and who is "them." The Philosophical Fault Lines: Trace the timeless debates about justice, liberty, and recognition that animate our modern political conflicts, from the ideas of Hegel to the principles of modern liberalism. A Toolkit for the Mindful Citizen: In the final section, this book provides a practical guide for the digital age, offering concrete strategies to identify your own cognitive biases, spot misinformation, and foster more productive and empathetic political conversations.
Political Identity: Why We Choose Sides is more than just an analysis of our polarized world; it is an indispensable guide to navigating it. It is for the general reader seeking clarity, the student seeking depth, and the professional seeking solutions. This book will not change what you believe, but it will fundamentally transform your understanding of why you believe it-and why they believe what they do.
In a world that wants to force you into a simple category, this book is an act of intellectual resistance. Choose to understand. Choose your side wisely.