Ideopolitics

A term describing politics as fundamentally driven by ideological competition and identity rather than by material interests or pragmatic problem-solving. Ideopolitics treats political positions as expressions of underlying worldviews, values, and symbolic commitments, often resistant to evidence or compromise. It explains why policy debates become intractable: opponents are not just mistaken about facts but are seen as embodying wrong values. Ideopolitics also refers to the strategic use of ideological labels to mobilize supporters, demonize opponents, and frame every issue as a clash of worldviews.

Example: "The debate over zoning laws quickly turned into ideopolitics—not about housing supply but about 'neoliberalism' vs. 'community values,' with data ignored on both sides."

Ideopolitics by Abzugal Nammugal Enkigal April 16, 2026