The PLEDGE consortium focuses on the emotional dynamics of political grievances and their impact on democratic politics, with the aim of strengthening societal and political resilience. Understanding citizens’ emotions is essential, as they fundamentally influence political behavior. The goal of the project is to provide a deeper understanding of grievance politics and to offer recommendations for reinforcing democratic resilience, thereby addressing both internal and external challenges to democratic stability.

Key policy recommendations of the project include:

1.   Use research on political emotions to better understand contemporary challenges to democracy       and to promote pro-democratic, anti-authoritarian political participation.

2.   Support emotionally aware political practices through innovative communication strategies.

3.   Create democratic platforms where decision-makers can effectively engage with citizens’ political grievances.

4.   Encourage democratic political planning to allow for the discussion of grievances.

If we fail to recognize and adequately respond to citizens’ emotional needs, or only offer symbolic gestures without substantive action, we risk further alienating voters from liberal democratic institutions, increasing distrust and fueling grievances that anti-democratic forces can exploit.

The detailed policy recommendations of this EU-funded research can be read HERE. More information about the PLEDGE project is available through THIS link.