In person icon Emotions in Political Research: Building Dialogue Between Political Psychology, Political Communication and Public Policy Research (PANEL 2)

Abstract

In recent years, political scientists have increasingly acknowledged that emotions are part and parcel of politics. They are crucial in explaining the making and breaking of ties between citizens in a context of affective polarization. Emotions influence political decision-making in times of insecurity and polycrises, when the promise to provide protection becomes a key policy goal. And they are used in political communication to frame emotional policy entrepreneurs who may exploit fear, anger and hatred to further their goals. In this panel, we want to bring together researchers from political psychology, political communication and public policy to discuss the role of emotions in their respective fields searching for interlinkages and better explanations of current political phenomena through dialogue between these subdisciplines of political science. We invite both theoretical and empirical as well as methodological papers that seek to further our understanding the role of emotions in politics. The panel also explores the varieties of emotional mechanisms and dynamics in politics. Participants will delve into the progress of collective emotion management in policy processes and the role of complex emotions such as anxiety, despair, resentment, hope, pride, righteousness, shame, etc. in pro and anti-social tendencies. Special attention will be given to affective policy practices including identity politics, grievances, partisan hatred, violence, securitization, and victimhood. The panel will also investigate the roots and consequences of emotional complexities in public policies; and the way they influence decision-making and impact policy outcomes. The panel seeks to answer these core questions: • What are the emotional drivers behind political grievances, out-group hostility, political violence, moral devaluation, and the demand for protective political policies? • Who are the key emotional entrepreneurs responsible for triggering, sharing, transforming, or mitigating complex emotions in political debates? • How do emotional mechanisms and dynamics shape political attitudes, policy preferences, social values, and electoral mobilization? • To what extent do complex emotions influence public policies, policymaking, and democratic innovations? • In what ways do affective aspects differentiate between pro-social and anti-social tendencies in political actions?

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