Description
Book SynopsisThis lucid and original work argues for a new style of political leadership, one which pays deliberate and sophisticated attention to the emotional dynamics of the public. A case study of terrorism, as a highly emotional topic and as a key political issue in many liberal democracies, grounds the book's ideas in today's political landscape.
Trade Review'This is a rich book and its strengths lie in its capacity to provoke further work on both contemporary political debates and policy: asylum and immigration, international terrorism, possession of economic resources, climate change and environmental risk would all benefit from Richards' approach.' War and Media
Table of ContentsIntroduction PART I: A DEMOCRACY OF FEELINGS Shaping the Public Mind The Rise of Therapeutic Culture Global Passions PART II: THE BIAS AGAINST HOPE Journalism as Emotional Labour Rottweilers Savage Democracy Challenging the Media Bias PART III: THE SEARCH FOR CONNECTION Politics as Emotional Labour Poor Emotional Governance PART IV: TERROR IN THE PUBLIC MIND The Four Factors of Fear Terrorism and the Emotional Public From Emotional Audit to Communication Strategy PART V: REPAIRING LEADERSHIP Market Failures Deferring to Reality