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Threat, Dehumanization, and Support for Retaliatory Aggressive Policies in Asymmetric Conflict

Author

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  • Ifat Maoz

    (Department of Communication Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel)

  • Clark McCauley

    (Department of Psychology Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania)

Abstract

Public opinion can permit or encourage retaliatory aggressive state policies against vulnerable but threatening out-groups. The authors present a model in which public support for such policies is determined by perceived threat from and dehumanization of the target group. This two-factor model predicts Israeli Jews' support for two retaliatory aggressive policies: the more hypothetical notion of Palestinian population transfer and concrete, coercive actions toward Palestinians. The authors find (1) that threat and dehumanization are distinct constructs, each having unique contributions to explaining support for aggressive retaliatory policies, (2) that threat and dehumanization significantly explain support for aggressive retaliatory policies when respondents' hawkishness, socioeconomic status (SES), and education level are taken into account, and (3) that the association of hawkishness and SES with support for aggressive retaliatory policies is largely mediated by threat perception. Results are highly consistent across two studies, suggesting the two-factor model may be useful for understanding support for aggressive action in situations of asymmetric conflict.

Suggested Citation

  • Ifat Maoz & Clark McCauley, 2008. "Threat, Dehumanization, and Support for Retaliatory Aggressive Policies in Asymmetric Conflict," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 52(1), pages 93-116, February.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:52:y:2008:i:1:p:93-116
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002707308597
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Gibson, James L., 1992. "The Political Consequences of Intolerance: Cultural Conformity and Political Freedom," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 86(2), pages 338-356, June.
    2. Herrmann, Richard K. & Tetlock, Philip E. & Visser, Penny S., 1999. "Mass Public Decisions on Go to War: A Cognitive-Interactionist Framework," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 93(3), pages 553-573, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Colin Jennings, 2012. "Rationalising ‘'Irrational'' Support for Political Violence," Working Papers 1212, University of Strathclyde Business School, Department of Economics.
    2. Jennings, Colin, 2012. "Rationalising ‘Irrational’ Support for Political Violence," SIRE Discussion Papers 2012-87, Scottish Institute for Research in Economics (SIRE).

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