Affective Pluralization: How Political Theory Can Move Beyond Affective Polarization

In this paper, we present the collaborative effort involving academic institutions, NGOs, and consultancy firms under the Horizon Europe project ENCODE - Unveiling emotional dimensions of politics to foster European democracy (see https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101132698). Aligned with the European Commission's directives, the project aims to combat affective polarization by developing tools—narrative strategies and methods of implementation—designed to foster a "positive emotional turn" on a pan-European level. Our presentation will focus on the activities of ten institutions from eight countries, including non-EU members, emphasizing theoretical and conceptual work as well as planned actions. Since the project officially began in June 2024, the ultimate success of its initiatives remains to be seen. Affective polarization is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest challenges facing democratic societies. Drawing on social identity theory, numerous scholars emphasize that negative affective relationships between opposing political factions often surpass traditional ideological polarization. While this perspective suggests that affective polarization is a natural phenomenon, we question whether it can be legitimately anchored in social identity theory. Inspired by the constructivist paradigm and a critical reassessment of this theory, we propose that affective polarization is better understood as a discursive construct, rather than a direct extension of social identity dynamics. We will demonstrate how our approach builds on a method inspired by Chantal Mouffe, which we term metaphoric redescription. This discursive instrument preserves the positive and generative potential of emotions and affects within pro-democratic political narratives. Following Mouffe, we argue that political theory can play a practical role in fostering a public culture supportive of liberal democracies, provided it engages in critical dialogue with adversaries. Moreover, in an era where new technologies influence not only cognition but also emotional states, a reconceptualized version of pluralism becomes imperative—one that explicitly recognizes the significance of affects and emotions. In alignment with ENCODE’s objectives, this paper proposes the concept of affective pluralization. This framework introduces a dynamic tension between agonistic theories of democracy and liberal political theory. It acknowledges the emotional nature of the political sphere and the vital role of affects in public life, while simultaneously upholding political pluralism and individual rights as foundational principles of democratic systems. Drawing on the theory of affective pluralization, ENCODE will develop new narratives to support EU institutions in reducing prejudice. This allows for multiple frameworks to redefine political rivalry and reshape political realities. Our research explores a key question: What theoretical approach can facilitate a transition in political narratives—from fueling affective polarization to embracing a multiplicity of emotional responses among citizenries? Through the ENCODE project, we aim to contribute not only to the theoretical understanding of depolarization but also to practical tools for addressing this critical issue within democratic societies.