political alliances
Definition
Political alliances refers to cross-group coalitions formed between members of different marginalized communities to collectively challenge societal injustice and resist threats such as ethno-nationalism. These alliances are rooted in stigma-based solidarity, wherein shared experiences of discrimination activate a superordinate identity and promote perception of linked fate or common goals among marginalized groups. The formation and sustainability of such alliances depends critically on mutual expectations of loyalty and cooperative behavior; when members of marginalized groups perceive violations of these expectations—such as voting against a candidate supported by allied groups—the resulting sense of betrayal reduces trust and cooperation, thereby threatening the viability of cross-group political coalitions.
Sources: Shackleford et al. (2026)
Related Terms
Applications
Political Alliances and Stigma-based Solidarity Betrayal
Members of marginalized groups form expectations that other marginalized groups will demonstrate solidarity with them, and violations of these expectations—such as defections to opposing political candidates—are experienced as betrayal. When betrayal occurs, individuals report reduced trust in and lower solidarity intentions toward the betraying outgroup, which undermines the capacity of cross-group political alliances to sustain collective resistance.
Sources: Shackleford et al. (2026)
Political Alliances and Social Identity Threat
Shared discrimination experiences can activate superordinate identities that promote cross-group solidarity, though these alliances remain vulnerable when ingroup marginalization becomes salient. Perceived competition from other marginalized groups can disrupt cross-group solidarity, threatening the cohesion necessary for sustained political alliances.
Sources: Shackleford et al. (2026)
