Fear and Terrorism in the Eastern Question (1870-1930)

The history of emotions is well-studied, but it remains neglected if not scorned in the legal field, where rationality has long been the main accepted norm. However, recent scholarly works argue that law is deeply intertwined with emotions. My research project ‘ECHO’ explores the role of emotions – and most specifically of fear – in shaping international law, challenging its rationalist and Eurocentric biases, which contribute to public dissatisfaction. Focusing on historical examples from the late Ottoman Empire, it examines how fear influenced legal protection and public trust. By studying diverse sources such as diplomatic reports and popular literature, my project aims to understand the 'culture of fear' and its impact on legal narratives. Integrating feminist and decolonial perspectives, ECHO offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary understanding of the emotional dimensions of law, reflecting the interconnected themes of emotions, critical studies, history, international law, and the Ottoman Empire.