| ID | 136605 |
| Title Proper | Exploring the microfoundations of international community |
| Other Title Information | toward a theory of enlightened nationalism |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Jones, Calvert W |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This paper challenges conventional wisdom about the drivers of international community at the individual level. Presenting new data and a novel natural experiment approach to the study of cross-border contact and international community, it tests some of the key microfoundations of international relations theory about how a sense of shared international community may arise and evolve among individuals. The hypotheses are tested using survey data from a large sample (n = 571) of American study abroad students in a range of universities across a treatment and a control group. Surprisingly, findings do not support the main hypothesis that cross-border contact fosters a sense of shared international community. However, the second hypothesis drawn from the liberal paradigm, suggesting that cross-border contact lowers threat perceptions, is strongly supported. The “Huntingtonian” hypothesis that cross-border contact heightens nationalism also garners wide support. The paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for theory and future research, especially the potential of rethinking the drivers of international community at the individual level to rely less on a sense of shared identity and essential sameness, and more on a feeling of “enlightened nationalism” and appreciation for difference |
| `In' analytical Note | International Studies Quarterly Vol.58, No.4; Dec.2014: p.682-705 |
| Journal Source | International Studies Quarterly Vol: 58 No 4 |
| Standard Number | International Relations – IR |