The Emotional Life of Populism
How Fear, Disgust, Resentment, and Love Undermine Democracy
1. Edition June 2023
232 Pages, Hardcover
General Reading
Short Description
Throughout the world, democracy is under assault from various populist movements and ideologies. And, throughout the world, the same enigma: why is it that political figures or governments, who have no qualms about aggravating social inequalities, enjoy the support of those whom their ideas and policies affect and hurt the most?
To make sense of this enigma, the sociologist Eva Illouz argues that we must understand the crucial role that emotions play in our political life. Taking the case of Israel as her prime example, she shows that populist politics rest on four key emotions: fear, disgust, resentment, and love for one's country. It is the combination of these four emotions and their relentless presence in the political arena that nourishes and underpins the rise and persistence of populism both in Israel and in many other countries around the world.
This highly original perspective on the rise of populism will be of interest to anyone who wishes to understand the key political developments of our time.
Throughout the world, democracy is under assault from various populist movements and ideologies. And, throughout the world, the same enigma: why is it that political figures or governments, who have no qualms about aggravating social inequalities, enjoy the support of those whom their ideas and policies affect and hurt the most?
To make sense of this enigma, the sociologist Eva Illouz argues that we must understand the crucial role that emotions play in our political life. Taking the case of Israel as her prime example, she shows that populist politics rest on four key emotions: fear, disgust, resentment, and love for one's country. It is the combination of these four emotions and their relentless presence in the political arena that nourishes and underpins the rise and persistence of populism both in Israel and in many other countries around the world.
This highly original perspective on the rise of populism will be of interest to anyone who wishes to understand the key political developments of our time.
Chapter 1: Securitist Democracy and Fear
Chapter 2: Disgust Entrepreneurs
Chapter 3: Resentment or the Hidden Eros of Nationalist Populism
Chapter 4: National Pride and the New Politics of Class
Conclusion: The Emotions of the Decent Society
Lilie Chouliaraki, London School of Economics
"Combining penetrating social-scientific analysis with revealing interviews, Illouz offers original insights into Israel's longstanding and intensifying embrace of populism. Pithy, smart, and timely, this book should be read by anyone interested in contemporary Israeli politics and society."
Derek Penslar, author of Zionism: An Emotional State
"[A] sobering account ... suggests that hope, in principle, can strengthen the bonds of fraternity not just among the nation's own members but with other countries as well, opening the way to dialogue, tolerance, and justice."
Robert Zaretsky, The Atlantic
"an engaging analysis"
Emotions & Society
