Political life is often driven not only by ideas and policies but also by emotions such as resentment, grievance and revenge. This course explores the politics of vengeance and examines how personal experiences, identity and perceived injustice can influence political behaviour and public discourse. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples, participants will consider why political conflicts become personalised, how this affects democratic institutions and what it means for increasingly polarised societies. Suitable for anyone interested in politics, psychology and contemporary social issues.
Face to face
- Moises Naim, Revenge and Power, How Autocrats are Reinventing Politics in the 21 st Century, Griffin 2023
- Colin Evans, Great Feuds in History, Willey and Sons, 2001
- Joseph Cummins, Great Rivals in History, When Politics Gets Personal, Thunder Bay Press, 2013
- Characteristics of vendettas and the powerplays of very personal politics throughout history, similarities and differences
- Case Studies, Queen Mother Vs Wallis Simpson, Gladstone Vs Disraeli, Henry II Vs Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas A Beckett and Vs his son Richard the Lionheart
- Hollywood vendettas and their impact on studios, movie going public and personal lives of those feuding such as Joan Fonatine and her sister Olivia de Havilland.
- It took Stalin 14 years after he had Trotsky expelled from the USSR to assassinate him in Mexico in 1940.
- Short term and longer term impact of the blood feuds over time
By the end of the course students should be able to:
- Discuss the main factors which give rise to such bitter rivalries in politics, film industry, royal families and other aspects of society.
- Gain an understanding of the impact of such bitter rivalries and the damage done to those involved and to wider relatives and associates.
