NCJ Number
142405
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 12 Issue: 6 Dated: (1989) Pages: 387-399
Date Published
1989
Length
13 pages
Annotation
Using a variety of public opinion sources, this article explores American attitudes toward terrorism during the two Reagan administrations.
Abstract
The article establishes the salience of terrorism in the public's mind, the perceived causes of terrorism, opinion about preventing future terrorist incidents, and attitudes on negotiating with terrorists. The author also examines sentiments about military retaliation options and reviews beliefs about media coverage of terrorism. In this overall attitudinal context, the study touches on the theoretical relationship between public opinion and foreign policymaking, contending that the American public is responsible and sensible enough to comprehend the general nuances and basic complexities of an issue such as terrorism. Public opinion is judged to be a capable and logical determinant in foreign policy formation. Although not forcing policymakers into any particular policy, they do provide a framework within which policymakers can logically work if they expect public support for their policies. In a democracy, the public has this expectation of policymakers, that they will act within the general parameters established by the people. When these expectations are not met, as was the case with the Reagan administration's arms-for-hostages policy toward Iran, the public withdraws its support, and it is the administration that suffers. 45 notes