PLEDGE Blog Post #6: Ukraine’s Cardboard Revolution: Pro-Democratic Emotions in a War-Torn Society
Date: September 3, 2025
Are collective pro-democratic emotions possible in a war-affected society? Ukraine’s recent experience suggests they are not only possible but can take highly creative and symbolic forms.
PLEDGE Blog Post #5: Do Emotions Move People Towards Civic Engagement? Yes, but Not Always in the Same Way
Date: August 20, 2025
Emotions like fear, anger, and hope aren’t just fleeting feelings—they’re powerful motivators that can inspire people to rally, volunteer, or speak out. For decades, scholars have studied how these emotions shape civic participation.
PLEDGE Blog Post #4: Far-Right Politics in the Age of Social Media: Where Grievance Meets Entertainment
Date: July 30, 2025
The rise of far-right ideas, parties, and movements across the so-called Western world has become one of the most pressing political developments of recent decades. This post examines how grievance politics intersects with entertainment and social media.
PLEDGE Blog Post #3: When Democracy Feels Distant: Understanding the Deep Roots of Public Disaffection
Date: July 16, 2025
Across the globe, citizens are exhibiting increasing signs of dissatisfaction and distrust towards democratic systems, a multifaceted phenomenon shaped by a complex interplay of social, political, and emotional factors.
PLEDGE Blog Post #2: Are Political Discussions Making Us Unhappy?
Date: July 2, 2025
Have you ever walked away from a political debate feeling worse than before? Many people are reporting growing degrees of frustration and emotional fatigue related to political discussions.
PLEDGE Blog Post #1: Climate Transition with All the Feels: Emotion-Sensitive Democratic Innovations and the Future of Democracy
Date: May 30, 2025
The Emotional Economy of Contentious Green Reforms: Climate change stands out for the storm of emotions it stirs up. This post explores emotion-sensitive democratic innovations in policymaking and citizen engagement.
