A deeper sense of empathy in a time of protest

This guest editorial examines how anthropologists should respond to contemporary crises, from Trump's attacks on academic institutions to global authoritarianism. While protest has long characterized anthropological practice, activism alone is insufficient. Drawing on critiques of empathy's inherent biases, its favouring of ingroups and susceptibility to manipulation, this editorial proposes a deeper form of empathy aligned with Liu and Shange's ‘thick solidarity’. This framework requires three acts: identifying with human suffering; understanding injustice from all perspectives, including those we oppose; and extending compassion to ourselves as researchers. Evidence that 88 per cent of anthropologists experience vicarious trauma with minimal institutional support underscores this final act's importance. The approach advocated for here requires maintaining both ethical commitment and methodological rigour in navigating political polarization.