The Politics of Resentment

"The Politics of Resentment" refers to a strategy where political actors appeal to strong feelings of frustration, anger, or injustice among certain groups. Instead of focusing on policies or solutions, leaders invoke shared grievances—such as economic decline, cultural shifts, or perceived threats—to mobilize support. This approach often resonates with people feeling left behind or misunderstood, and it can deepen social divisions. Essentially, it uses emotional reactions rooted in real or perceived injustices to gain political influence, shaping political discourse around collective resentment rather than collaborative progress.