The Affect Effect: Dynamics of Emotion in Political Thinking and Behavior
“If you want to know how hope, fear, anxiety, and anger—among other emotions—shape the way we think and act politically, read this book! It’s the most thorough and up-to-date summary on the subject, from the philosophy of Aristotle to the latest developments in the cognitive neurosciences and political communication. The contributors are leading scholars who confront their own theories, concepts, findings, and methods (which go from classic survey research and experimentations to sticking electrodes in the brain), as well as their disagreements with each other. That’s what makes the book fascinating. It shows science in the making, building on its internal controversies and debates. And the central argument is optimistic. Far from throwing citizens into the arms of authoritarian leaders, emotions, especially anxiety, help them to think rationally and act strategically.”<Nonna Mayer, Centre de Recherches Politiques de Sciences Po, Paris (CEVIPOF)>(Nonna Mayer, Centre de Recherches Politiques de Sciences Po, Paris (CEVIPOF))