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Demagogic Speech Raises Threat, Cuts Tolerance in Spain

6/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers led by Marcos Dono exposed 310 Spaniards to a demagogic speech that raised value threat and lowered tolerance.
A follow-up test confirmed the speech heightened threat even when complexity and positivity were controlled.
In the U.S., democracy-satisfied participants grew less tolerant after the speech, while dissatisfied participants showed a slight increase.
Researchers warned the single brief exposure and focus on two Western democracies limit generalizability.

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Story summary

Researchers led by Marcos Dono exposed 310 Spaniards to a demagogic speech that raised value threat and lowered tolerance.
A follow-up test confirmed the speech heightened threat even when complexity and positivity were controlled.
In the U.S., democracy-satisfied participants grew less tolerant after the speech, while dissatisfied participants showed a slight increase.
Researchers warned the single brief exposure and focus on two Western democracies limit generalizability.