An Elsterian analysis of hope and hate groups

Abstract

The core beliefs, type of emotional energy and action tendencies of “hope groups” that engae in the policy process to advance their shared goals and “hate groups” that seek to expose the conspiratorial tendencies of a policy elite are compared and contrasted. The patterns of rhetoric and interaction rituals that charcterize interaction within these groups are then considered. The contribution this type of analysis can make to a Hirschmanian quest for a more relevant economics that can join with other disciplines such as politics and psychology in seeking to comprehend behaviours that can weaken the deliberative capacity of democracies is then assessed.