Behind the Shadow of Coming War : An Experimental Test for Antiwar Sentiments

This study identifies the factors that create fear of impending war. War can break out regardless of the desires of a society. Indeed, national leaders often have no other choice but to enter a war--aware that they may lose popularity with their constituency, but certain of the political damage they will accrue if they retreat from their own coercive diplomacy. However, a leader can avoid war if it is clear that the people are clearly against it. To resolve this issue, I elucidate the causes of the concept of "antiwar sentiment" in the shadow of war. This study performs experimental tests to identify the independent variables of antiwar sentiments, using data from two cross-national comparative surveys: the Pacific Rim Values Survey 2004-2008 (conducted in Japan, the U.S., China, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Australia, and India) and the Asia Pacific Values Survey 2010-2014 (the same eight countries and Vietnam). In doing so, this study confirms which components are common to some or all nations, as well as how the components of antiwar sentiment vary according to the nation. Identifying the general and specific characteristics of antiwar sentiment in each nation contributes to preventing war in the Asia Pacific region.