Emotional Dynamics in International Relations

Emotions have emerged as central drivers of state behaviour, diplomatic engagement and conflict resolution. Rather than mere epiphenomena of rational decision-making, feelings such as fear, anger, pride and empathy shape perceptions of threat and opportunity, fuel collective identities and influence policy trajectories. Emotional dynamics operate at multiple levels: individual leaders’ affective dispositions can alter negotiation styles; group-based feelings can solidify alliances or deepen enmities; and transnational affective flows can amplify humanitarian responses or harden stances in protracted disputes. The study of these processes integrates insights from psychology, sociology and political science, highlighting mechanisms of emotional contagion, resonance and regulation. This interdisciplinary lens reveals how emotions underpin the construction of narratives, legitimise policy choices and open new avenues for de-escalation. Practically, recognising emotional undercurrents can enhance the design of peacebuilding initiatives, inform public diplomacy strategies and foster empathy-based confidence-building measures in fraught negotiations.

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Emotional Dynamics in International Relations publication trend

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Technical terms

Collective anger: A group-level emotion arising from shared perceptions of injustice, which can mobilise collective action or be channelled into peacebuilding efforts.

Emotion norms: Shared rules and expectations governing appropriate emotional expression within a community, shaping group identity and policy preferences.

Emotional resonance: The process by which one actor’s affective state influences the emotional climate among other actors, facilitating alignment of attitudes and behaviours.

References

1. Understanding collective anger in intractable conflicts: Context, emotions and the possibility of co-existence in the Rohingya conflict in Myanmar. Aggression and Violent Behavior (2024).
2. The Politics of Emotions in International Relations: Who Gets to Feel What, Whose Emotions Matter, and the “History Problem” in Sino-Japanese Relations. International Studies Quarterly (2021).
3. Feeling European? The EU as an emotional community. Journal of European Integration (2024).