Heated policy: policy actors’ emotional storylines and conflict escalation

Abstract Policy conflict is gaining attention in policy studies. In this paper, we explore the relation between emotional storylines and escalation case of Dutch gasquakes north country. Based on a longitudinal analysis 1308 newspaper articles additional empirical data find that subnational governmental actors as well citizen action groups discursively express about anxiety/fear, anger, contempt to discursive expressions trustworthiness/distrust. Over time, specific combinations these shape interpretation problem point toward responsible actors. Also way which sequences develop (particularly from fear anger) suggests escalation. addition, can be found increased intensity storylines. We conclude combinations, sequencing increasing suggest process emotionally expressed escalation, have only just begun explore.