Unity in Diversity: How Norms of Compromise Enable Cooperation

Abstract

This paper introduces the notion of `norms of compromise'. I show they can invert the relationship between the stability of cooperation and polarization of policy preferences by changing individual risks of leaving the grand coalition. I find that polarization stabilizes cooperation under norms with high sensitivity to moderates' preferences and destabilizes it under norms with low sensitivity. Further, polarization of moderates makes extremists less willing to cooperate under some norms and more willing to cooperate in others. This work sheds light on the effects of norms on cooperative efforts, like social movements, involving diverse political actors in uncertain political environments.