Emotions in international organisations in the shadow of a declining liberal order

This Forum article explores the role of emotions in international organisations (IO s) in the context of a shifting and contested liberal international order (LIO). It explores how emotions influence decision-making, diplomatic negotiations, legitimacy and policy outcomes in institutions with a focus on the United Nations (UN), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). The introductory piece also introduces a future research agenda on emotions in multilateral diplomacy. We argue that as the post-WWII liberal order comes under increasing strain from geopolitical tensions, wars and global crises, emotions have become increasingly central to multilateral diplomacy and international governance. Yet their role remains under-researched within IOs. Understanding how emotions influence multilateral diplomacy offers new insights into institutional resilience, legitimacy and the dynamics of international co-operation. The Forum suggests that emotions are not peripheral but central to the functioning of IOs. The contributions point to a need for more systematic study of different aspects of emotions within IOs.