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Empathy and Resistance
Kristina Lunz (Author), Nicola Barfoot (Translated by)
9781509570331, Polity Press
Paperback / softback, published 24 October 2025
150 pages
21.6 x 13.7 x 1.8 cm, 0.181 kg
"In a time of growing cynicism and shrinking democratic space, Kristina Lunz reminds us that empathy and resistance are not contradictions – they are our most powerful tools for change. This book is a timely, courageous call to action."
Margot Wallström, former Foreign Minister of Sweden and pioneer of feminist foreign policy
"Kristina Lunz draws on a strong background of learning, and the courage to set up and drive important initiatives for women. Like her I have found that women frequently possess the most effective skills for preventing and resolving conflict. Their insights, their courage and their proposals deserve far more financial and practical support worldwide, if future conflicts are to be resolved without disaster."
Dr Scilla Elworthy, founder of Peace Direct and the Oxford Research Group and three-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee
"This is a refreshing message at a time of division and tension... the way out of the ugly politics of the 2020s lies in this balance of empathy and resistance, and there is real wisdom in Lunz's exploration of these themes."
The Earthbound Report
"By foregrounding the voices of women from diverse cultural and social backgrounds, the book presents a vision of solidarity and responsibility that resonates strongly with social work values in an increasingly polarized modern world."
Affilia: Feminist Inquiry in Social Work
When the world is in crisis, having a clear moral compass and unwavering values is crucial, but so too is a willingness to listen to others. Feminist entrepreneur and policy expert Kristina Lunz argues that empathy and resistance are indispensable for defining our political stance, demonstrating our humanity and driving meaningful change. Although they may appear to be opposed to one another, these elements in fact harmonize perfectly in challenging times, unlocking progress across social, cultural and political spheres, and are vital for activism and political action. Drawing on a wide range of personal experience, research on empathy, and knowledge passed down from feminist peacebuilders worldwide, Lunz develops a convincing account of why we need to reach out to others, listen to them and work together without prejudice. She emphasizes the importance of developing a political stance and remaining steadfast in the face of adversity, while also encouraging openness and a willingness to change our views when compelling arguments arise, for true conviction lies in value-based decisions rather than the rigid adherence to ideology. This passionately argued book by a leading feminist author and activist will appeal to anyone interested in the task of creating a fairer, kinder world.
1. How I found my compass
2. Empathy
Empathy is not a cure-all
Openness instead of judgement and condemnation
Humanity
Growth
Peacebuilding
3. Resistance
Sisterhood
Deconstructing is important, but constructing is even better
Non-ideological action
Activist’s dilemma
Cynicism as ostensible resistance and intellectual laziness
4. The tools for empathy and resistance
Hope
Knowledge
Networks
5. My compass in tempestuous times
Empathy is not a zero-sum game
Constructive impatience
Difficult women
The significance of utopias
Power and the law
The noise out there
6. Women of empathy and resistance
Ailbhe Smyth: the legalization of abortion in Ireland
Beatrice Fihn: the path to nuclear disarmament
Düzen Tekkal: groundbreaking recognition of a genocide
Stellah Bosire
Gloria Steinem
7. Why empathy and resistance are so important now
Acknowledgements
Notes
Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP]
