Book Review: Oisín Tansey, The International Politics of Authoritarian Rule
| Published date | 01 November 2017 |
| DOI | 10.1177/1478929917714960 |
| Date | 01 November 2017 |
| Author | Katsiaryna Yakouchyk |
| Subject Matter | Book ReviewsInternational Relations |
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theoretical framework to study emotional diplo-
This could hold equally for Franco-German rela-
macy, defined as ‘coordinated state-level behav-
tions (consider Lily Gardner Veldman’s concept
iour aimed at officially and explicitly projecting
of reconciliation).
the image of a particular emotional response
Hall’s inspiring work leaves us wanting
toward other states’ (p. 16). The cover image of
more, and we can only hope that either the
Vladimir Putin hugging his Polish colleague
author himself or those inspired by his work
Donald Tusk after the 2010 airplane accident that
will follow up to provide us with a complete
killed, among others, Polish President Lech
account of the full range of emotions a state has
Kaczyński illustrates this strikingly: emotional
at its disposal.
diplomacy is a conscientious and orchestrated
Yuri van Hoef
act of displaying public emotion, made by the
(University of Leeds)
actors representing a state. It is, therefore, a tool
of statecraft. Immediately, the appeal of Hall’s
© The Author(s) 2017
approach becomes apparent. To scholars of emo-
Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav
DOI: 10.1177/1478929917720412
tions, he offers utility. To rationalists, a way to
journals.sagepub.com/home/psrev
rationally account for displays of emotion.
After an excellent introduction, a chapter
building the theoretical framework follows,
The International Politics of Authoritarian
which is then applied to three specific emotions
Rule by Oisín Tansey. Oxford: Oxford
and case studies: anger (the 1995–1996 Taiwan
University Press, 2016. 240pp., £55.00 (h/b), ISBN
Strait Crisis), sympathy (the Russian and
9780199683628
Chinese responses to 9/11) and guilt (German–
Israeli relations). Chapter 5 offers suggestions
International influences on the stability of
for further study and consists of several smaller
authoritarian regimes have attracted growing
case studies that further...
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