Image Theory, Social Identity, and Social Dominance: Structural Characteristics and Individual Motives Underlying International Images

Abstract

The present study provides an empirical test of international relations image theory and extends the theory by emphasizing that individuals' social identity and social dominance motives contribute to such images. One hundred forty-five Lebanese participants completed a survey that assessed their perceptions of U.S.-Lebanese relations, the images they have of the United States, their social identities, and their social dominance orientations. Participants were more likely to hold the barbarian image of the United States than the enemy, imperialist, or ally images. Participants also tended to perceive the United States as having relatively superior power, inferior cultural status, and goals that are incompatible with those of Lebanon. Consistent with image theory predictions, this constellation of structural perceptions was associated with stronger endorsement of the barbarian image. Furthermore, participants were more likely to endorse the barbarian image of the United States the more they identified with Arabs and Palestinians, the less they identified with Christians and the Western world, and the lower their social dominance orientation. Results highlight the importance of considering both structural characteristics and individual motives underlying international images and demonstrate the need for scholars to move beyond the enemy image of nations when describing international relations.

Trust as a discourse: Concept and measurement strategy – First results from a study on German trust in the USA

“…These themes are then aggregated into the stereotypical other images discussed above (Shimko, 1994, p. 50). Images are assessed by means of content analyses of public or private statements, using more or less elaborate coding methods to reliably extract meaning from natural language (for examples, see Alexander, Levin, & Henry, 2005;Bilali, 2010). 2…”

Political orientation and images of the United States in Italy

“…The adopted measures of structural perceptions were those defined by Alexander, Levin, and Henry (2005). Goal compatibility was assessed using a single item, pertaining to foreign policy.…”

“…Four items, adapted from Alexander, Brewer, and Livingston (2005), and Alexander, Levin, and Henry (2005), were used to assess the ally, barbarian, enemy, and imperialist images. Examples are: "In the case of Italians, the United States values cooperative solutions to problems" (ally); "Americans in general take whatever they want, and enjoy intimidating others" (barbarian); "Americans cannot be trusted because they know how to trick you" (enemy); "Americans are arrogant and convinced they are superior to others, also to Italians" (imperialist).…”

“…Image theory is supported both by experimental (Alexander et al, 1999;Castano, Sacchi, & Gries, 2003;Herrmann, Voss, Schooler, & Ciarrochi, 1997) and correlational studies (Alexander, Levin, & Henry, 2005). Moreover, archival data have also been used in testing the theory (e.g., Herrmann & Fischerkeller, 1995).…”

‘Identity’ in International Relations and Foreign Policy Theory

“…Identity in this view stems from constant interaction and comparison with others, resulting in multiple in-group/out-group categorizations based on emotion-laden situational social similarities and differences. 13 The application of this perspective in IR extends from studies that use social identity theory to explain dynamics of integration (or disintegration) of collective identities on the international (Weller, 1997) or European level Marks, 2005, 2008), over studies that explore the relevance of individual perceptions or images of the other in international relations (Alexander et al, 2005), to studies that seek to reinforce and complement neo-realist arguments such as 'anarchy' and 'self-help' via social identity theory (Mercer, 1995).…”