Performance, Emotions and Politics

Abstract

This panel explores the dynamic interplay between performance, affect, and political engagement in contemporary democracies. The contributions examine how emotions and performative practices shape political discourse, legitimacy, and identity across diverse contexts. Papers investigate the role of humor and ironic cynicism in televised political debates, emotional responses to secularism and religious change among women in Turkey, the affective dimensions of political alignment and happiness across European democracies, and the framing of celebrity figures in Ukrainian politics. Together, these studies illuminate how emotions and performative strategies are not peripheral but central to understanding political behavior, communication, and legitimacy in the 21st century.

Title	Details
"Ironic Cynicism and Electoral Impact: Humor in the SBS6 Hart Van Nederland Debate"	View Paper Details
Shifting Tides of Secularism: Emotional Responses Among Women in Izmir to Political and Religious Changes in Turkey	View Paper Details
Bad Mood? Mental Well-Being and Radical Right Voting in Four European Democracies	View Paper Details