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Ideological Ambiguity and Political Spectrum

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  • Hector Galindo-Silva

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between ambiguity and the ideological positioning of political parties across the political spectrum. We identify a strong non-monotonic (inverted U-shaped) relationship between party ideology and ambiguity within a sample of 202 European political parties. This pattern is observed across all ideological dimensions covered in the data. To explain this pattern, we propose a novel theory that suggests centrist parties are perceived as less risky by voters compared to extremist parties, giving them an advantage in employing ambiguity to attract more voters at a lower cost. We support our explanation with additional evidence from electoral outcomes and economic indicators in the respective party countries.

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  • Hector Galindo-Silva, 2023. "Ideological Ambiguity and Political Spectrum," Papers 2308.05912, arXiv.org, revised Feb 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:arx:papers:2308.05912
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Shepsle, Kenneth A., 1972. "The Strategy of Ambiguity: Uncertainty and Electoral Competition," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 66(2), pages 555-568, June.
    2. Bräuninger, Thomas & Giger, Nathalie, 2018. "Strategic Ambiguity of Party Positions in Multi-Party Competition," Political Science Research and Methods, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(3), pages 527-548, July.
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