Reflections on Emotions, Populism and Polarisation: HEPP3 Conference proceedings

The present volume, derived from the Third HEPP Conference on Emotions, Populism, and Polarisation, brings together four thought-provoking papers that engage with the key themes of the conference. The first paper, “Emotions and Cultural Codes in Satirical Cartoons on the COVID-19 Pandemic: the Case Study of Nigeria,” examines artistic responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on Nigeria—a country renowned for its rich tradition of satirical press cartoons and esteemed artists. The second paper, “The Emotional Identity: How Auto-affirmative Identity Politics Evokes Feelings of Self-esteem and Worthiness,” offers an analysis of the emotional underpinnings of the populist movement in Poland. Continuing the exploration of memory culture, the third paper, “Antagonism of Cultural Heritage Preservation Discourses in St. Petersburg,” delves into the emotive struggles surrounding heritage preservation in the Russian city of St. Petersburg. The fourth paper, “Platforms and Infrastructures of Political Populism in Belarus in the 2020s,” focuses on the unfinished democratic revolution and authoritarian counterrevolution in Belarus between 2020 and 2022. Each paper offers a unique lens through which to explore the complex dynamics of emotions, populism, and polarisation. By examining various case-based contexts and employing diverse methodologies, the volume provides nuanced perspectives on the role of emotions and media platforms in populism and polarisation