POL208Y5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Downside Risk, German Emergency Acts, Wield
Document Summary
National: shared by most groups or actors within a state (physical security and economic well-being) The tendency for people to become more supportive of their country"s government in response to dramatic international events, such as crises or wars. Effect of external attack breeds in-group loyalty, patriotism. Leader is the protector", can use emergency acts to crack down on dissent, has an external scapegoat. Opposition dampens criticism, crises divert from economic troubles or scandals. Domestic leaders and war: the rally effect, diversionary war. Bureaucratic interests and war: bureaucracy: the collection of organizations that make up the state apparatus (military, Leaders can further their own political interests by fighting a war to exploit the rally effect. If leaders see the use of force abroad as improving their chances of staying in power, they may prefer war to a negotiated settlement. Risk is greatest when leaders are insecure domestically.
