Anti‑polarisation as moral cover

Arguments that urge 'don't call it polarization' can be repurposed to excuse or minimise real illiberal threats, because they reframe asymmetric moral contests into symmetric technocratic disputes about procedure and compromise. That rhetorical move lets actors portray resistance to extremism as mere 'polarisation management' rather than an ethical imperative to confront intolerant movements. — If widely adopted, this rhetorical tactic will change how journalists, institutions, and policymakers justify restraint or moderation, affecting everything from coalition strategy to emergency responses to extremist threats.