Hegel, and later Sartre (but from a very different perspective), emphasized the importance of The Other, in the sense of the definition of the Self.

In short, by defining the other, one demarcates the boundary of the self and defines ones identity. Self-identity necessitates the other, in its self-conception and interdependence of the latter's existence. To be reductionist, what does it even mean to be oneself if there is no other?

Political othering is the process of emphasizing differences between groups in a way that creates an "us vs. them" mentality, often leading to prejudice and hostility. It involves constructing an out-group as fundamentally different and inferior, thereby reinforcing the identity and perceived superiority of the in-group. This process can manifest in various forms, including racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice, and it often fuels social and political conflict.