The Emotional Architecture of Authoritarianism: Anxiety, Attachment, and Political Obedience in Late Modern Societies

Dr. Noah Steinberg
Assistant Professor, Department of Political Theory,
University of Toronto, Canada

Journal: International Journal of Global Humanities and Management Insights
Volume: 1 | Issue: 3
DOI: 10.63665/ijghmi-y1f3a002

Received: 12 June 2025
Accepted: 30 June 2025
Published: 10 July 2025
View / Download PDF

Abstract

Authoritarianism in postmodern societies cannot be explained solely through institutions or ideology but must be understood as an emotional structure shaped by fear, attachment, and the desire for security. Drawing on political psychology, affect theory, and sociology, this study argues that anxiety and attachment influence political obedience and legitimize coercive power while also creating conditions for resistance and democratic renewal.

Keywords

Authoritarianism, Political Psychology, Affect Theory, Anxiety, Attachment, Obedience, Emotional Governance, Political Subjectivity, Late Modernity, Democratic Resilience

References

[1] Osborne, D., Costello, T. H., Duckitt, J., & Sibley, C. G. (2023).

[2] Roccato, M., & Russo, S. (2017).

[3] Veit, S., et al. (2024).

[4] Stempel, K. E. (2025).

[5] Demertzis, N. (2013).

[6] Gormley, B., & Lopez, F. G. (2010).

[7] Gaziano, C. (2017).

[8] Parent, J., et al. (2020).

[9] Onraet, E., & Van Hiel, A. (2014).

[10] Roccato, M., et al. (2017).

[11] Falkenberg, M., et al. (2023).

[12] Ellefsen, R., & Sandberg, S. (2022).

[13] Van Hiel, A., et al. (2014).

[14] Study on authoritarian attitudes and stress response.

[15] Existential function of authoritarianism.

[16] Left-wing authoritarianism studies.

[17] Political ideology and moral beliefs.

[18] Duschinsky, R., et al. (2015).