EPIR Working Group first annual lecture: The evolution of emotion research in international relations

We are absolutely thrilled to invite you to attend our first virtual annual lecture, a tradition we are inaugurating this year, but hope will be long-lasting. For our first edition, we are delighted to welcome Dr Simon Koschut from Zeppelin University as our speaker. Simon Koschut will provide insights on the future of emotion research in IR and discuss ongoing projects such as the Oxford Handbook of Emotions in International Relations. 

The Evolution of Emotion Research in International Relations

Simon Koschut

In this lecture, I explore the significant growth and development of emotion research in the field of International Relations (IR), tracing its evolution from early theoretical acknowledgments to the current “emotional turn”. Emotions, as complex psychological and physiological phenomena, play a pivotal role in shaping human interactions, which are central to international politics. Despite their importance, emotions were historically marginalized in IR due to the dominance of rational-actor models and methodological challenges. However, recent advancements in neuroscience, feminist theory, and real-world events like the 9/11 attacks have driven a surge in emotion research within the discipline. I systematically examine key questions and debates in the field, such as the rationality of states, the role of emotions in decision-making, and the challenges of conceptualizing collective emotions. I also highlight the progression from foundational debates to more nuanced empirical studies, with emerging perspectives from psychological, sociocultural, and affect theories contributing to a richer understanding of the role of emotions in global politics. This evolution underscores the critical importance of integrating emotions into IR, offering new insights into state behavior, conflict, and international cooperation.

Registration will close two hours before the event begins.