How Laclau's logic of affect explains the emotional connection between populists and their supporters

Seminar paper from the year 2019 in the subject Politics - International Politics - General and Theories, grade: 1,7, Free University of Berlin, language: English, abstract: The thesis deals with the topic how populists evoke emotions in their supporters. It hypothesizes that there is an emotional connection between populists and their supporters that can be explained by Laclaüs logic of affect. To investigate this hypothesis, Ernesto Laclaüs conception of populism will serve as the basis for argumentation. The motivation of Tea Party members to support Trump is described, based on an explorative, interview-based study of sociologist Arlie Hochschild.

The way for Trumps victory was already paved about five years prior the election with the rise of the Tea Party movement. Arlie Hochschild, an American sociologist, interviewed Tea Party supporters during this period and accompanied them to Trump rallies. She wanted to understand their emotions and worldviews.