the voices of moderate groups and individuals to be heard and thus to prevent the escalation of tensions. Local ‘bridge builders’ play an important role in these efforts, as they have the ability to call on members of their community to keep the peace and organise activities to counter increasing polarisation.
4. Ladder of participation Democracy and social cohesion are strongly based on participation and dialogue. The lack of opportunities to formally and informally participate in local society (political, democratic or social/economic participation) is a factor of exclusion and marginalisation and can be one of the structural causes of polarisation processes, as it increases tensions.
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