Feeling Political: Emotions and Institutions since 1789

This open-access book explores the role of emotions in shaping political engagement throughout history, using twelve case studies from 1800 to the present. It demonstrates how emotions have been central to people's political participation and their effects, ranging from parliamentary buildings to social movements, speeches, and images. The book highlights the increasingly participatory nature of nineteenth- and twentieth-century politics, which is impossible without the work of emotions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 390 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book historicizes both emotions and politics, arguing that the historical work of emotion is best understood in terms of the dynamics of institutionalization. This is demonstrated through twelve case studies that focus on pivotal moments in European and US history from 1800 to the present. Each case study clarifies how emotions were central to people's political engagement and its effects. The sources range from parliamentary buildings and social movements to images and speeches of presidents, from fascist cemeteries to the International Criminal Court. Both the timeframe and geographical focus have been chosen to highlight the increasingly participatory character of nineteenth- and twentieth-century politics, which is inconceivable without the work of emotions.

Emotions have played a significant role in shaping political outcomes throughout history, from the American Revolution to the Arab Spring. This book explores the historical work of emotion, examining how emotions have been institutionalized and how they have influenced political engagement and decision-making.

The book begins by examining the role of emotions in the formation of political institutions. It argues that emotions have been used to justify political actions, such as wars and revolutions, and that they have been used to create and maintain social hierarchies. For example, during the French Revolution, the emotions of anger and resentment towards the monarchy were used to justify the overthrow of the aristocracy and the establishment of a republic.

The book then moves on to explore how emotions have been used to influence political engagement and decision-making. It argues that emotions can be used to mobilize people and to create a sense of shared identity and purpose. For example, during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, the emotions of fear and frustration towards segregation were used to mobilize people and to create a sense of shared identity and purpose.

The book also explores how emotions have been used to justify political decisions. It argues that emotions can be used to override rational decision-making and to create a sense of urgency and crisis. For example, during the Cold War, the emotions of fear and suspicion towards the Soviet Union were used to justify the United States' military intervention in Vietnam.

The book concludes by examining how emotions have been used to challenge and undermine political institutions. It argues that emotions can be used to create a sense of resistance and opposition to political power. For example, during the Arab Spring, the emotions of frustration and anger towards authoritarianism were used to create a sense of resistance and opposition to political power.

Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the historical work of emotion, demonstrating how emotions have been used to shape political outcomes and to influence political engagement and decision-making. It is an essential read for anyone interested in the history of politics and emotions.

Weight: 538g
Dimension: 147 x 210 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030898601
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022