Emotional Dynamics and Political Resistance in Wartime Politics: Insights from the Middle Eastern Conflicts

This chapter investigates the influence of emotional dynamics on the shaping of political resistance during wartime, particularly in the context of Middle Eastern conflicts. It explores emotions such as anger, humiliation, grief, fear, hope, and solidarity, examining how they help explain the ways different communities in the region interpret oppression, mobilize collectively, and sustain long-term forms of resistance beyond strictly military and geopolitical explanations. The chapter situates these emotional processes within the history of imperial legacies, Western political influence, and colonial interventions. It shows how past and present experiences of external domination over territory continue to shape collective identities and political action. It also explains how grassroots mobilization transforms personal suffering into resistance movements through shared narratives across different platforms. Finally, it emphasizes the psychological and emotional consequences of prolonged conflicts, highlighting trauma, resilience, and impacts on mental health.