The Structure, Causes, and Consequences of Foreign Policy Attitudes: A Cross-National Analysis of Representative Democracies
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Essex
Department Name: Government
Abstract
Abstracts are not currently available in GtR for all funded research. This is normally because the abstract was not required at the time of proposal submission, but may be because it included sensitive information such as personal details.
People |
ORCID iD |
| Thomas Scotto (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Clarke H
(2012)
Political Choices in Hard Times: Voting in the 2010 U.S. House Elections
in Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties
Goren P
(2016)
A Unified Theory of Value-Based Reasoning and U.S. Public Opinion
in Political Behavior
Gravelle T
(2020)
Personality traits and foreign policy attitudes: A cross-national exploratory study
in Personality and Individual Differences
Gravelle T
(2020)
The structure of foreign policy attitudes among middle power publics: a transpacific replication
in Australian Journal of International Affairs
Gravelle T
(2014)
Foreign policy beliefs and support for Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party
in Canadian Foreign Policy Journal
GRAVELLE T
(2017)
The structure of foreign policy attitudes in transatlantic perspective: Comparing the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany
in European Journal of Political Research
Kertzer, J.
(2014)
Taking Foreign Policy Personally: Personal Values and Foreign Policy Beliefs
Mader M
(2018)
How political are national identities? A comparison of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany in the 2010s
in Research & Politics
Rathbun B
(2016)
Taking Foreign Policy Personally: Personal Values and Foreign Policy Attitudes
in International Studies Quarterly
Reifler J
(2013)
Prudence, Principle and Minimal Heuristics: British Public Opinion toward the Use of Military Force in Afghanistan and Libya
in The British Journal of Politics and International Relations
| Description | The key aim of the project was to better understand attitudes citizens had toward matters of foreign policy and international relations in the advanced democracies of the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Canada. The investigator designed and fielded five wave panel surveys of representative samples of US and UK citizens and single cross-sectional surveys of Canadians, French, and German respondents. Additional funding from non-ESRC sources allowed for additional waves of data from respondents in France and Germany. Key findings to emerge from the project include: 1) Foreign policy attitudes for citizens are not uni-dimensional, but are coherent. For example, in the United States, citizens have well-formed opinions concerning the utility of using military force unilaterally to solve world problems and these attitudes are distinct from how feelings about foreign aid and humanitarian efforts. In the other nations (UK, Germany, France, and Canada), the structure of attitudes differs slightly, but the general multi-dimensional pattern holds. 2) Foreign policy attitudes do not appear out of nowhere. Anchoring foreign and domestic policy attitudes are an individual's core values (measured by the cross-nationally valid Schwartz battery that appears on the surveys) and/or personality traits (measured by the common "Big 5" item questionnaire) 3) The public is prudent in shifting their attitudes in response to changing events, and a willingness to see their nation get involved either for military or humanitarian purposes is a function of whether they perceive the action will be successful. A key determinant of whether or not the public will support a foreign policy decision is whether the parameters for success are well defined. 4) Although values and personality anchor foreign policy attitudes, framing of events does matter. Asking citizens if they agree or disagree with "torture" as opposed to "enhanced interrogation" to get information from suspected terrorists will elicit slightly different response patterns. Respondents can take cues from the positions taken by their favored party or leader but no amount of grandstanding by elites will get the public behind an ill-conceived mission (see paper on British attitudes towards involvement in Afghanistan and Libya). 5) Foreign policy attitudes can be relevant in electoral politics. One paper published as a result of this research programme demonstrates that people identifying with the Conservative Party in Canada will take significantly different positions on the coherent foreign policy attitude dimensions for militarism and internationalism and those positions on these dimensions drive support for Prime Minister Harper and his party. Similar results obtain in other nations studied in this project. These are some of the main highlights of findings from the data. Secondary analysis has begun by researchers interested in questions that differ from those of the investigator-for example one academic user has examined how religious participation affects individual level foreign policy attitudes using the first three waves of the UK panel from this study. The investigator has run specific analyses for end users in the public sector, and this activity is highlighted in the narrative impact section. |
| Exploitation Route | The investigator developed the longest running panel study of citizen attitudes towards foreign policy matters in the US and UK. The instruments measure public opinion in response to changing events and emerging crises. Government officials can utilize this examine to show how, for example, individual attitudes towards the utility of invading Iraq and judgments of the success of these operations change over time. Data can also shed light on how these publics reacted to one off crises such as unrest in Mali and events that began during the course of the study-on the latter point, the investigator provided some of the earliest polling on British attitudes towards intervention in Syria and data reflect the public's hesitancy which culminated in a Parliamentary vote against involvement at the end of summer 2013. The data can be further analysed to understand better the motivations behind this reaction and why the public is now more open to responding to the threat posed by the Islamic State. If further funding is obtained, the German and French mini panels can be extended. The investigator is working with colleagues in the UK, Germany, and Japan to apply for an ORA grant to conduct additional surveys. |
| Sectors | Government, Democracy and Justice,Security and Diplomacy |
| URL | http://www.thomasjscotto.co.uk |
| Description | Findings from this research programme were used extensively by civil servants. During the course of this project, the investigator was invited to give talks at the Home Office, Number 10 Downing Street, the Department for International Development, and the Ministry of Defence. Presentations were also made at fringe events in the European Parliament. Specific questions concerning UK public opinion on the use of drone warfare, the utility and desirability of DFID's aid effort to Syria, and the public's attitudes towards NATO (in advance of the summit that took place in September 2014), were specifically placed on surveys at the behest of public sector officials. The investigator foresaw the threat posed by UK nationals who went over to Syria to fight in the civil war, either for or against ISIS. Survey results measuring the actions the public thought the Government should take made it to the highest levels of Government and were part of a short policy paper the investigator wrote for the think tank, The Foreign Policy Centre. Findings from the project received extensive media coverage and the applicant made regular appearances on LBC and BBC radio to discuss results, particularly as salient foreign policy matters arose. Findings were covered in the Financial Times and by international outlets in countries such as Canada and Slovakia. In recognition of the relevant work the investigator had undertaken, he was invited onto the Global Uncertainties group and was placed on the enhanced impact scheme of RCUK's Partnership for Conflict, Crime & Security Research (PaCCS). Outreach continues and is ongoing. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2012 |
| Sector | Communities and Social Services/Policy,Government, Democracy and Justice,Security and Diplomacy |
| Impact Types | Societal,Policy & public services |
| Description | Perpetual Minority Government? Electoral Choice in the Midst of Political and Economic Crises in a Contemporary Mature Democracy |
| Amount | $72,562 (USD) |
| Funding ID | SES-#1003254 |
| Organisation | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 01/2010 |
| End | 12/2011 |
| Description | Valence politics meets position issues : the dynamics of electoral choice in America, 2008-2010 |
| Amount | $55,650 (USD) |
| Funding ID | Award Number:1048117 |
| Organisation | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United States |
| Start | 09/2010 |
| End | 08/2011 |
| Title | Discover Variable and question bank QualiBank Discover > Catalogue Catalogue SHARE UK Data Service data catalogue record for: Public Opinion and the Syrian Crisis in Three Democracies: Surveys of French, British, and American Samples, 2014 |
| Description | The research projected was a series of two surveys in the US, UK, and France (an extra post 2014 European election wave was added in the UK) investigating factors affecting public opinion about foreign policy by studying the dynamics of opinion about possible military and humanitarian aid interventions in Syria in three major democracies - the United Kingdom, the United States and France. The Syrian situation has great real-world urgency while presenting a significant opportunity to bolster understanding of how public opinion shapes and constrains the policies that elites can choose. The first surveys have a great focus on the Syrian crisis as well as included additional questions tapping the public's attitudes towards foreign policy more generally. The follow-up surveys focused on foreign policy attitudes and how they related to domestic opinion in the three nations. The French and British waves are panelled and were fielded shortly before and after the 2014 European elections, and there is a total of three, not two British waves. This collection contains a two wave survey of representative samples of the British, French, and American populations. Survey work was conducted by YouGov. The French surveys were fielded shortly before and after the 2014 European Elections. A cross sectional British survey was fielded in March 2014 and then a short panel survey was conducted before and after the spring 2014 European elections. The American cross-sections were fielded in March 2014 and September 2014. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2015 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Data were used in publications listed as part of the grant outcomes on Research Fish |
| URL | https://discover.ukdataservice.ac.uk/catalogue/?sn=8323&type=Data%20catalogue |
| Title | Release 1: Comparative Foreign Policy Attitudes |
| Description | Archive of Individual Cross Sectional and Panel Surveys of US/UK and Canadian Respondents. |
| Type Of Material | Database/Collection of data |
| Year Produced | 2013 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | Secondary analysis known to have occurred by researchers at Oxford and Lough borough. Students have utilized the data for third year projects and MA/MSc dissertations |
| URL | http://discover.ukdataservice.ac.uk/catalogue/?sn=851142&type=Data%20catalogue |
| Description | Core Values Study Group |
| Organisation | International Studies Association (ISA) |
| Country | United States |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | We developed survey questions for the survey funded by the ISA as part of this grant from the ISA |
| Collaborator Contribution | The International Studies Association generously provided seed funding for a representative survey of the foreign policy attitudes of the American Public. The survey informed the panel studies carried out via ESRC funds in the US and UK |
| Impact | Paper under review at the Journal of Politics. Goren, P. Schoen, H. Reifler, J., Scotto, T.J., and Chittick, W.O. "A Unified Theory of Value Based Reasoning and Public Opinion. A Representative Survey with Codebook of 1200 Americans fielded by YouGov in spring 2011. |
| Start Year | 2010 |
| Description | American foreign policy attitudes and the upcoming 2012 American presidential election |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | On May 11, 2012, Dr. Scotto provided a talk on American foreign policy attitudes and the upcoming 2012 American presidential election to approximately 35 respondents who were participants in a series of seminars given at Concordia University in Montreal. Analysis of the data contained in Wave 1 of the American foreign policy surveys was provided to participants It was a discussion on the American election and foreign policy that informed Canadians |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| Description | Article for the Conversation: |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Article measuring support for European Common Defence and NATO in the wake of Brexit |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| URL | https://theconversation.com/brexit-is-not-a-retreat-into-isolationism-survey-suggests-public-remains... |
| Description | BBC 5 Live Interview |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The PI was on the Stephen Nolan show on BBC 5 Live to discuss British and American Public attitudes towards their nation intervening in the Syrian conflict. The interview took place on 6/4/2013 Radio Interview |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | BBC 5 Radio Interview: Up all night |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | The PI's Collaborator, Dr. Jason Reifler, was on the Up All Night Show on 7/4/2013 to discuss US and UK attitudes towards intervention in the Syrian Conflict Live Radio Interview |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | BBC ESSEX Future US Options in IRAQ |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | BBC Radio Essex Interview on 13/8/2014 to Discuss Options for the US in light of rise of ISIS N/A |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | BBC Essex Drivetime Radio Show: Crisis in Ukraine |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | PI was interviewed on afternoon radio program linking and discussed low public support for military interventions in Syria and how that set the tone for British and American responses to the crisis in Ukraine. Interview concerning steps ahead in response to Russia's actions in Crimea. PI drew upon findings of wave 4 of British and American foreign policy attitude surveys during interview. Interview concerning steps ahead in response to Russia's actions in Crimea. PI drew upon findings of wave 4 of British and American foreign policy attitude surveys during interview. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | BBC General News Service--Options in Iraq |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Conducted over 12 radio interviews on 11/08/2014 to discuss public opinion on the Iraq War and what public support remains for action against ISIS The interviews were picked up by other sources and led to investigator being invited to appear to discuss British public opinion on foreign policy matters when subsequent events occurred |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | BBC Radio Essex |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Interview on Syrian Crisis Dr. Scotto was interviewed by BBC Radio Essex concerning British attitudes towards intervention in Syria Dr. Scotto was interviewed by BBC Radio Essex concerning British attitudes towards intervention in Syria |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | BBC Radio Essex |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Radio Interview concerning Syrian Crisis Dr Scotto was interviewed about his ESRC surveys and the questions which established that the public was against military intervention in Syria and attitudes about the Iraq War were highly related to scepticism about intervention in Syria Dr Scotto was interviewed about his ESRC surveys and the questions which established that the public was against military intervention in Syria and attitudes about the Iraq War were highly related to scepticism about intervention in Syria |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Briefing for Civil Servants |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | The PI and Jason Reifler were invited to DFID to present research from previous waves of the survey--results presented also covered topics funded by ESRC grant ES/L011867/1 This was an invited talk given to approximately 30 civil servants invited by DFID to discussed topics covered in the surveys funded by this grant and results funded by grant ES/L011867/1 This was an invited talk given to approximately 30 civil servants invited by DFID to discussed topics covered in the surveys funded by this grant and results funded by grant ES/L011867/1 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | British Attitudes towards Foreign Aid and Syria |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This is a presentation put together for representatives from DFID who were interested in the public's attitudes on foreign aid and the Syrian crisis. This presentation shows attitudes towards foreign aid, as measured by internet surveys of a representative sample of Britain in August of 2013. Attitudes towards the military and humanitarian intervention were probed in a similar survey fielded in September 2013. This presentation shows attitudes towards foreign aid, as measured by internet surveys of a representative sample of Britain in August of 2013. Attitudes towards the military and humanitarian intervention were probed in a similar survey fielded in Septem |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | British Attitudes towards Key Foreign Policy Issues |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This is a presentation from Wave 4 of the British Foreign Policy Attitudes Survey Data put together to inform both the Home Office and DFID about British attitudes on matters that were of interest to this government agency. DFID and Home Office; rPowerpoint Presentation |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | British Military Action Against ISIS |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A discussion of recent grant funded polling on British attitudes towards success in Iraq and Afghanistan and public support for further military action against ISIS. PI Scotto Appeared on LBC Radio on 5/9/2014 Informing members of the public as to British attitudes on the topic |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | British and American Foreign Policy Attitudes |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | A Talk Given to Trainees of the German Federal Foreign Office as Part of their Cultural/English language training This was a 100 minute discussion of results from the American and British surveys of foreign policy attitudes conducted via this grant. The PI also discussed German foreign policy attitudes and the cross-cultural validity of the survey questions, particularly how the German public would interpret questions asked on the American and British surveys This was a 100 minute discussion of results from the American and British surveys of foreign policy attitudes conducted via this grant. The PI also discussed German foreign policy attitudes and the cross-cultural validity of the survey questions, particu |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | British attitudes to flood relief versus foreign aid |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Use of survey data from waves 1 and 3 of British respondents to measure baseline support for spending on overseas aid. We conducted an additional survey measuring respondents' willingness to reduce overseas aid to increase spending on flood relief. Surveys conducted by the PI find low support for increasing overseas aid, and high level of willingness to reduce foreign aid in order to increase spending on domestic flood relief. Surveys conducted by the PI find low support for increasing overseas aid, and high level of willingness to reduce foreign aid in order to increase spending on domestic flood relief. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://cambridge.yougov.com/news/2014/03/02/flood-relief-versus-foreign-aid/ |
| Description | Britons back spending on military |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | Results from questions on the PI's surveys asking Americans and Britons about their support for increased defence spending was described in a September 5th, 2012 article in the Financial Times. Attitudes concerning British and American intervention in Syria were also discussed The Financial Times |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| URL | http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/76ad6fba-f763-11e1-8e9e-00144feabdc0.html#axzz2HfmDn6mo |
| Description | Consultation--Departmental for International Development |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | On 23 September, 2013, Dr Scotto discussed UK attitudes towards foreign aid using data obtained from Waves 1, 3, and 4 of his ESRC sponsored surveys with representatived from DfID Given the UKs contribution to the aid provided to assist Syrian civilians, representatives from this organization wished for an update on the current public mood. Dr Scotto provided officials from DfID with the attached presentation and a discussion around making the British public aware of the Government's contribution to relief in Syria occurred. Given the UKs contribution to the aid provided to assist Syrian civilians, representatives from this organization wished for an update on the current public mood. Dr Scotto provided officials from DfID with the attached presentation and a discussion arou |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Essex pollster: UK opposes intervention in Syria |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Newspaper article disccusing Dr Scotto's ESRC sponsored public opinion work measuring British attitudes towards Syrian military intervention Dr Scotto interviewed and stated his opinion research established that the British public was very opposed to sending its military into the Syrian theatre. Archived online at: http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/10636151.Essex_pollster__UK_opposes_intervention_in_Syria/ Dr Scotto interviewed and stated his opinion research established that the British public was very opposed to sending its military into the Syrian theatre. Archived online at: http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/10636151.Essex_pollster__UK_opposes_interve |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| URL | http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/news/10636151.Essex_pollster__UK_opposes_intervention_in_Syria/ |
| Description | How much do we actually know about what and how the British public thinks about military intervention? |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | A blog post for the Political Studies Association's Insights Blog discussing research into the British public's attitudes towards military intervention in Libya and Afghanistan Discusses findings from recent article where authors examine, in close detail, British attitudes about two recent military interventions - Afghanistan and Libya. The authors discuss how they demonstrate that British attitudes about the use of military force are broadly consistent with people making cost-benefit calculations about the utility of war. Discusses findings from recent article where authors examine, in close detail, British attitudes about two recent military interventions - Afghanistan and Libya. The authors discuss how they demonstrate that British attitudes about the use of military f |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.psa.ac.uk/insight-plus/blog/how-much-do-we-actually-know-about-what-and-how-british-publi... |
| Description | Interview--BBC Radio Essex |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr. Scotto was interviewed on the topic of the public opinion of Britons and Americans towards military intervention in Syria Dr Scotto commented on the role public opinion was playing in shaping the growing scepticism that a military strike on the Al-Assad regime was the proper course of action Dr Scotto commented on the role public opinion was playing in shaping the growing scepticism that a military strike on the Al-Assad regime was the proper course of action |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | LBC Radio--Options in Iraq |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Radio interview on public support for fighting ISIS in Iraq/Syria N/A |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Language and Survey Questions |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | Roundtable Discussion with German Diplomats at Colchester English Centre n/a |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Meeting at 10 Downing Street |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | November 4, 2014 Meeting with Civil Servants Housed at 10 Downing Street to Discuss UK/US Foreign Policy Attitudes. Clear indication that results from previous surveys were utilized by policymakers and suggestions for future discussions were discussed between the investigators and civil servants Discussion of how public attitudes on the crisis in Syria and rise of ISIS were considered by senior civil servants |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Meeting with the Home Office |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | Meeting with the RICU (Research Information and Communications Unit) Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism to discuss British attitudes towards counterterrorism measures On 15 May, I was invited to brief Home Office officials concerning the results of waves 1-3 of the survey. We discussed question wording, wording of questions for additional surveys and British attitudes towards domestic and foreign affairs in general. On 15 May, I was invited to brief Home Office officials concerning the results of waves 1-3 of the survey. We discussed question wording, wording of questions for additional surveys and British attitudes towards domestic and foreign affairs in general. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | No Will for Civil War |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Article based on American and British attitudes towards the Syrian crisis produced for Britain in 2014 This article covered the low level of British and American public support for military intervention in Syria, but more support for providing humanitarian aid. This article covered the low level of British and American public support for military intervention in Syria, but more support for providing humanitarian aid. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Press Release: Britons Want the Falklands to Stay British, Study Reveals |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | On the 20th Anniversary of the Falklands War, the PI Analysed Data from Wave 3 that measured British attitudes towards their Government negotiating with Argentina over the sovereignty of the Falklands. Few respondents were open to negotiations with Argentina. This press release was picked up by local news outlets in East Anglia. Archive of Press Release is Available online at: http://www.essex.ac.uk/news/event.aspx?e_id=5032 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| URL | http://www.essex.ac.uk/news/event.aspx?e_id=5115 |
| Description | Press Release: Iraq 'War Fatigue' leaves voters reluctant to support action in Syria |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Media (as a channel to the public) |
| Results and Impact | A press release updating media on support for US/UK intervention in Syria from Wave 3 of the foreign policy opinion surveys Press release archived at: http://www.essex.ac.uk/news/event.aspx?e_id=5115 |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| URL | http://www.essex.ac.uk/news/event.aspx?e_id=5115 |
| Description | Radio--Nick Ferrari Radio Show |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Dr Scotto was interviewed on LBC Radio concerning the American and British publics' opinion towards intervention in Syria. Data were generated as part of Waves 3 and 4 of his ESRC funded surveys Dr Scotto was asked about future options for Britain in Syria amidst growing public unease, the failure of Parliament to authorize force, and the intervention of Russia Dr Scotto was asked about future options for Britain in Syria amidst growing public unease, the failure of Parliament to authorize force, and the intervention of Russia |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| Description | Shadow of Iraq Looms Over Syria |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Interview of Dr Scotto for BBC News Online Interview concerning ESRC sponsored polling on Syrian crisis and the role attitudes towards the War in Iraq have in shaping the public's sceptical stance on proposed UK military intervention in Syria Interview concerning ESRC sponsored polling on Syrian crisis and the role attitudes towards the War in Iraq have in shaping the public's sceptical stance on proposed UK military intervention in Syria |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2013 |
| URL | http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23869127 |
| Description | Survey shows lack of support for sending troops into Syria in Britain and United States |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A press release, press conference or response to a media enquiry/interview |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | Yes |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | This is a timely press release constructed by the author during the time Wave 2 of the surveys were in the field and the violence in Syria was on the rise. It found a lack of support for military intervention involving ground forces, both in the United States and in Great Britain. This was picked up by a number of commerical outlets, according to the PI's survey firm, YouGov. There is substantial public support in the United Kingdom and the United States for military action to secure a 'no fly zone' in Syria, but there is very little backing for using ground troops to tackle the situation according to a survey commissioned by academics at the University of Essex. There is substantial public support in the United Kingdom and the United States for military action to secure a 'no fly zone' in Syria, but there is very little backing for using ground troops to tackle the situation according to a survey commissioned by |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| URL | http://thomasjscotto.co.uk/index.php?news&nid=14 |
| Description | Talk to German Diplomats in Training about Public Opinion and Foreign Policy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | A Discussion of Measuring German and British Public Opinion to German Diplomat Trainees at the Colchester English Language School |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014,2016 |
| Description | The Legacies of Iraq and Afghanistan and Views of NATO in the British Public's Mind |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | This is a report prepared for a government agency (who did not wish to be named) on public attitudes concerning the legacy of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and attitudes towards NATO. In a series of panel surveys,approximately one in four Britons supported the decision to join the US in Iraq, and more than four in ten respondents disapproved. Support for the British intervention in Afghanistan is similar to what we see in evaluations of the decision to go to war in Iraq. Fewer Britons believe the nation has been successful in Afghanistan. Support for the main Western military alliance NATO, is between 50 and 60 on a 100 point thermometer scale. In a series of panel surveys,approximately one in four Britons supported the decision to join the US in Iraq, and more than four in ten respondents disapproved. Support for the British intervention in Afghanistan is similar to what we see in evaluation |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| Description | Western brakes fail to halt Russia's roll in Ukraine |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A magazine, newsletter or online publication |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Interview given to Toronto Star on why public opinion signals no will for western intervention in the crisis in Ukraine Syria's crossing of "red line" and use of chemical weapons evoked little western response. Public opinion's inability to constrain leaders hurt western credibility in dealing with Russia Syria's crossing of "red line" and use of chemical weapons evoked little western response. Public opinion's inability to constrain leaders hurt western credibility in dealing with Russia |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2014 |
| URL | http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2014/03/03/western_brakes_fail_to_halt_russias_roll_in_ukraine.htm... |
| Description | What the UK and US think : shared values or differing interests in public attitudes to foreign policy |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Policymakers/politicians |
| Results and Impact | At this Foreign Policy Centre and University of Essex event, some of the key findings of a recent large-scale ESRC-funded cross-country study into public attitudes towards foreign policy were presented and analysed. The attitudes of the British public on specific foreign affairs issues will be compared to the attitudes of Americans on issues including military intervention, the NATO mission in Afghanistan and nuclear weapons, amongst many others. A number of media contacts were obtained as a result of this open event in the Houses of Parliament. The research was covered in respected media outlets such as the Financial Times. The Investigator strengthened his relationship with the Foreign Policy Centre, a noted think tank dealing with Foreign Policy Issues in the United Kingdom. Collaboration between the investigator and think tank are ongoing. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2012 |
| URL | http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkX3AGnNSQA |