International Conflict and Opinion Change in New Zealand

Abstract

Conflict between groups, including nations, seemingly leads to solidarity among the people in each collectivity. Testing this proposition at the international level is difficult owing to methodological problems of data gathering. This paper reports upon the impact of an international controversy upon national opinion consolidation. After the New Zealand government banned nuclear-capable ships from the country, the United States retaliated through public denunciation of this action and mild sanctions. Poll information suggests that, as a result of this dispute, New Zealanders put aside their preexisting political and social differences on the issue of nuclear weapons in their country and rallied behind their government. Over time, however, this consolidation effect shows signs of disintegration: social and, especially, political cleavages have begun again to discriminate opinion on the question of nuclear weapons in New Zealand.