Policy Briefs

Policy briefs outline strategic principles, objectives and action plans necessary to achieve a change in policy or programs (California Policy Lab).

On this page, you can find our Policy and Thematic briefs with recommendations

on the inclusion of citizens’ emotional needs into policies,
on the importance of integrating emotions on processes of representation and responsiveness,
to improve political communication that are particularly targeted at policy makers and communication offices at the city, country and EU levels, and
about emotional dynamics in political communication in the digital universe (especially social media) and insights about the relationship between such communication, affective citizenship and citizens’ trust in the state and politics.

The Effectiveness of Emotional Policy Entrepreneurs
Moshe Maor and Michaela Assouline

This thematic brief explores how emotional policy entrepreneurs (EPEs) strategically deploy emotions in Israel’s policy arenas and the implications for polarization, trust, and de-radicalization. Drawing on expert discussions, it shows that emotional manipulation—amplified by digital platforms and AI—bypasses cognitive reasoning and can entrench negative emotions over time, creating persistent influence in low-trust environments. However, the findings also indicate that emotion can be redirected constructively. Shared, non-partisan emotional narratives can cross political divides and support de-radicalization when used responsibly. The brief concludes that strengthening democratic resilience requires strategic, ethical engagement with emotions—not their suppression.

Emotional Demand and Emotional Neglect in Policy-Making
Georg Wenzelburger

This joint policy brief by the Horizon Europe projects PROTEMO, MORES and PLEDGE highlights how citizens’ emotions shape policy demands and political decision-making across policy areas. Drawing on insights from an online policy workshop and recent comparative research, it shows that emotional needs—especially related to insecurity and protection—are often overlooked in policymaking, despite their central role for democratic responsiveness and resilience.