Political Elites, Discrete Emotions and Affective Polarisation: A Cross-National Analysis of the Emotional Correlates of Partisan Affinities and Animosities

Summary: This dissertation investigates the emotional foundations of affective polarisation by analysing how discrete emotions towards political leaders relate to partisan sentiments across five democracies in Southern Europe and Latin America. Using survey data, it examines how emotions towards in- and out-party leaders relate to feelings towards partisan groups. The first study maps general emotional patterns; the second explores mediation and moderation mechanisms, comparing emotions towards radical-right and mainstream leaders; the third analyses how leader personalism amplifies emotional effects. Across chapters, the analyses suggest that leader symbolism plays a central role in shaping the emotional basis of partisan affect, operating through both mediation and moderation pathways depending on context. Focusing on hope and disgust, emotions often overlooked in affective polarisation research, this thesis contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the emotional basis of polarisation and political elites’ symbolic power in affective political divides.