What is an adversarial democracy?

Adversarial democracy is a political system characterized by intense competition and conflict between opposing parties, where each side aggressively contests power and seeks to undermine the legitimacy of its rivals. This form of democracy often emphasizes ideological divides and can lead to polarization, as parties prioritize winning over collaboration or consensus-building. While it fosters vigorous debate and engagement, it can also result in gridlock and a lack of effective governance if cooperation is consistently sidelined.