Academic research on Christian nationalism

has revealed a considerable amount about the scope of its relationships to public policy views in the US. However, work thus far has not addressed an essential question: why now? Research by the authors of this Element advances answers, showcasing how deeper engagement with the 3Ms – measurement, mechanisms and mobilization – can help unpack how and why Christian nationalism has entered our politics as a partisan project.

The role of political parties

Indeed, it is difficult to understand the dynamics of Christian nationalism without reference to the parties, as it has been a worldview used to mobilize Republicans while simultaneously recruiting and demobilizing Democrats. The mechanisms of these efforts hinge on a deep desire for social dominance that is ordained by God – an order elites suggest is threatened by Democrats and the left.

Consequences of elite appeals

These elite appeals can have sweeping consequences for opinion and action, including the public's support for democratic processes.