In her latest book – The Emotional Life of Populism: How Fear, Disgust, Resentment, and Love Undermine Democracy (2023) – Illouz delves into an analysis of how modern life is characterized by mobilization of normative populist ideologies and movements that pose a threat to modern democracy. She explores how and why political figures and governments garner support from individuals who are, in fact, the most adversely affected by populist policies that exacerbate social inequalities. Illouz unveils that populist politics thrive on a blend of fear, disgust, resentment, and love for one's country. The synergy of these four emotions, constantly present in the political arena, fuels the rise and persistence of populism.
This interview primarily centers around Illouz's latest book but also touches on the role of social media in propagating negative emotions, strategies for cultivating emotions such as fraternity and hope to sustain modern democracy, and the contemporary era marked by societal self-destruction and unprecedented catastrophes.