Abstract
We study the non-monetary costs of terrorist attacks in France, Belgium and Germany between 2010 and 2017. Using four waves of the European Social Survey, we find that individual well-being is significantly reduced in the aftermath of a terrorist attack. We explore possible mechanisms, finding that terrorist attacks are negatively correlated with generalized trust, institutional trust, satisfaction with democracy and satisfaction with the government. Terrorist attacks are also found to be positively correlated with negative attitudes towards migrants and perceived discrimination. Contrary to expectations, the negative relationship between terrorism and well-being is less strong for Muslim immigrants. We interpret this finding as an indication that immigrants benefit more than natives from the institutional reaction following terrorist attacks.
Highlights
Terrorism implies significant costs in terms of casualties and human lives (Gaibulloev & Sandler, 2019)
We study the effects on well-being of the terrorist attacks that occurred in France, Belgium and Germany between 2010 and 2017, by using four waves of the European Social Surveys
In line with the existing literature on the topic, our results indicate that terrorist attacks significantly reduce self-reported well-being, as measured by either life satisfaction or happiness
Summary
Terrorism implies significant costs in terms of casualties and human lives (Gaibulloev & Sandler, 2019). In order to interpret this finding, we show that the reduction in satisfaction for government or democracy that natives experience following a terrorist attack is stronger than that experienced by Muslim immigrants This is consistent with the instrumental perspective on political support, that posits that immigrants support democracy for its tangible benefits (Rogowski, 1974), including better protection, rights and freedoms for its citizens, by continuing to employ—at least in the short run—their country of origin as a reference group (Stark, 1991). We interpret our results as an indication that immigrants positively value the reaction of democratic institutions in the host country following terrorist attacks This reaction includes lack of retaliation and certainty of being protected, despite a growing perception of discrimination and increased xenophobia.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
