Power and Relatedness in the Construction of Images and Emotions Toward Foreign Countries: A Cross-National Comparison of Public Opinions in Japan and Israel

In this study, we systematically explore the relationships between the emotions that people have toward foreign countries and their attributes. We conducted surveys in two different countries–Japan and Israel, yet our findings reveal similar patterns. In both Japan and Israel, we found that the perceived power and relationship with foreign countries as well as their attributes can evoke certain types of emotions. The economic and political performance of a country was associated with feelings of admiration and trust. The natural aspects of a country such as its landscapes were associated with feelings of calmness and relaxation, while its cultural attributes were associated with feelings of curiosity and interests. Fear, on the other hand, was associated with countries that are seen as enemies or threatening, and anger with countries that are seen as morally wrong. We propose a power-relatedness model to enhance our understanding of people's emotions toward foreign countries.