“It is easier in today’s climate to play the zealot than to look for the best in one’s opponents. Coalition-building wins few adherents on Twitter and rarely makes for exciting television. But it gets things done.” Washington Post editorial, “A bold choice, and the right choice”, August 21, 2020
Is it wishful to think that coalition-building might help chart a way forward?
To be sure, the context of this editorial was partisan, but let’s do the thought experiment and mull the idea for a moment.
The textbook definition of a coalition is a temporary alignment of at least two groups with some sort of common goal/objective. Coalitions are generally short-lived and focused: once they have reached their common goal, the groups will separate again. Coalitions share knowledge, resources, and expertise. Ideally, the engagement should be a “win-win” and operate under the assumption that, in special situations, two heads are better than one.
Sounds divine. But, of course, the devil is in the details. Like the amount of mutual sacrifice required. Or like the bashing you’ll take for watering down a groups’ values, costing them a pure platform. Plus it’s just plain hard work. Coalitions can produce conflict over who’s in charge, roles and responsibilities. Why bother?
Because you hope to gain more influence and power than you could get on your own.
So, if you’re tired of polarization — and the division, paralysis and smoldering resentment it brings — consider building a coalition with your frenemies. As you do, here are the secrets of success:
- Determine main objectives and values for the coalition, and pursue tangible results
- Establish roles, protocols, and communication channels. This will help streamline work, avoid confusion, and keep the workload evenly distributed
- Learn to both ‘agree to disagree’ and ‘compromise’
- Show mutual respect for each other and maintain trust
Coalitions are a pain, but they work. Plus they make us better people.
A helpful resource: “Joining Forces: A Guide for Forming, Joining and Building Political Coalitions,” National Democratic Institute for International Affairs. Available at https://iknowpolitics.org/sites/default/files/a_guide_for_forming_joining_and_building_political_coalitions.pdf
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