Description
This paper analyzes the nexus of emotions and knowledge production in International Relations and the creation of (in)security. With the emotional turn in IR, emotions are now recognized as shaping thinking, understanding, decision making and behavior in the political arena. As emotions contribute to the formation of Self-Other relations, the (mis-)use of emotional framings and appeals to convince, mobilize and foster support for political gain is especially observable in conflict settings.
The paper considers how the appeal to and with emotions inform about political developments and actors in two case studies: the Russian war in Ukraine, and the Israel-Gaza conflict. It illustrates how emotions shape the room for politics and either constrain or facilitate empathy. Analyzed material includes text and images, including deepfakes.
A deeper understanding of emotions’ influence in both a situational and a foundational manner allows critical questioning of knowledge production. Thus, the paper also offers thoughts regarding the ethical consequence of a responsibility for the Other, as well as recommendations for researchers applying a critical perspective.
