The political scientist and sociologist Anna DurnovĂ¡ explores the question as to how emotions determine our actions. Using case studies from politics and society and supported by the FWF she is trying to get to the bottom of the role played by hopes, fears, anger or joy in order to support better mutual understanding. DurnovĂ¡ is convinced that marginalising feelings or failing to address them can be dangerous, particularly from a political perspective. Repressed emotions are a fertile ground for radical movements, polarisation and resentment of politics.