Fear of terrorism and support for non-democratic rule in democracies

In: International interactions: empirical and theoretical research in international relations, Band 49, Heft 4, S. 587-611

Abstract

Does fear of terrorism prompt some residents of democracies to abandon the ideal of democratic rule and instead endorse non-democratic governance? If so, why? In this study, I theorize that fear of terrorism triggers intolerance of social outgroups which, in turn, contributes to the erosion of pro-democratic norms and embrace of authoritarian rule. I test this argument using an original survey of the US and an investigation of cross-national survey results from 23 democracies. I find that individuals who fear terrorism are more likely to endorse non-democratic governance and the effect of fear of terrorism on support for authoritarianism is mediated through increased racism and xenophobia.