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Immigration and Nationalism in the Long Run

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  • Valentin Lang
  • Stephan A. Schneider

Abstract

This study identifies how local experiences with immigration in the past shape political reactions to immigration in the present. We exploit a spatially discontinuous resettlement of forced migrants in post-war Germany, analyzing digitized municipal panel data from 1925–2021. Nationalist electoral backlashes against contemporary immigration are substantially weaker in regions that were historically exposed to immigrants. To examine the mechanisms, we conduct a geocoded survey with experimental elements in the study region. Results from both the randomized and the natural experiment consistently show that historical exposure to immigration has led natives to revise their beliefs about the consequences of immigration, particularly its long-term economic benefits. With additional evidence beyond the study context, the results demonstrate how positive integration experiences can mitigate nationalism in the long run.

Suggested Citation

  • Valentin Lang & Stephan A. Schneider, 2023. "Immigration and Nationalism in the Long Run," CESifo Working Paper Series 10621, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_10621
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    Cited by:

    1. Ingar Haaland & Christopher Roth & Stefanie Stantcheva & Johannes Wohlfart, 2024. "Measuring What Is Top of Mind," ECONtribute Discussion Papers Series 298, University of Bonn and University of Cologne, Germany.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    migration; nationalism; persistence; voting behavior;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • O15 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Economic Development: Human Resources; Human Development; Income Distribution; Migration

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