Description
This paper inspired by the seminal question of Sara Ahmed: ‘what do emotions do?’ To answer this question, this paper adopts Lazarus and Falkman’s (1984) two-tier (primary-secondary) appraisal theory of emotions drawing parallel it with a process tracing research methodology. First, it clarifies how the ‘emotional turn’ in neuroscience and psychology has reshaped IR studies, illustrating that emotions act as complements rather than contradicting traditional notion of rationality. Second, it underscores the imperative of positioning emotions as a ‘great frontier’ in IR studies. To this end, the appraisal theory is proposed as analytical tool within the prevailing Realist framework, enabling nuanced integration of emotional dynamics. Lastly, it introduces each stage of the appraisal process between the conflicting states, demonstrating the role of a) the perceived emotions stemming from traumatic events as a primary appraisal b) in accordance with the perceived emotions (negative) to make own risk assessment and formulating effective coping strategies as an integral part of the secondary.
