Emotional Responses in Pakistani Politics to the Liberal World Order and Democratic Values

Pakistan’s formative ideological scaffolding was strictly based on emotions, which became an inherent part of Pakistani reality, making it a unique case study for exploring the role of emotions in politics. The concept of emotionalization in politics highlights how perceptions of threat and enmity are operationalized through policy, reinforcing domestic power structures and generating systemic persecution of those labelled as enemies of the state. Dr. hab. Kuszewska-Bohnert delves into the contestation of liberal values within Pakistan’s socio-political context, drawing on key discourses to explore the relationship between emotions,
political narratives, and foreign policy. She also examines the impact of Pakistan’s historical context and its ongoing conflict with BJP-led India, illustrating how emotional dynamics continue to shape both domestic and international politics. By integrating empirical evidence
and conceptual insights, the talk underscores the importance of recognizing emotions as pivotal forces in shaping the political order.

About the speaker:
Dr. hab. Agnieszka Kuszewska-Bohnert (JU Professor), is Associate
Professor at the Institute of Middle and Far East, Faculty of
International and Political Studies, Jagiellonian University (JU) in
Krakow. She holds a Ph.D. (Political Science) on protracted conflict
dynamics and multi-dimensional impact of enduring rivalries on
security and socio-political situation, with a focus on the Kashmir
conflict, and a Habilitation on security dynamics and radicalization
processes, exemplified by the case study of Pakistan.