Status, imitation, and affective dissonance in international relations

Bibliographic Data

ID4444302
AuthorsSteve Wood (0000-0001-5028-7458, Macquarie University, corresponding author), Lloyd Cox (0000-0001-7436-2563, Macquarie University)
Year2021
Volume35
Issue4
Pages634-656
Publication date2021-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Relations (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0047-1178 • E-ISSN: 1741-2862
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/00471178211010323
OpenAlexW3153261749
LanguageEN
Citations received10

This article explores the interplay of status, imitation and affective dissonance in international relations. Some states and nations selectively imitate others to correct perceived status deficits. Over time imitation can diminish ideals of group distinctiveness and independence from models and norm-setters, stimulating a condition we term affective dissonance. This complex of processes underlies some tensions in contemporary world politics. We apply the propositions to case studies of Russia and China whose leaders assert themselves as the principal loci and prescribers of national authenticity

Cognitive dissonance · Imitation · Independence (probability theory) · Norm (philosophy) · Optimal distinctiveness theory · Political science · Politics · Sociology · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Law · Psychology · Social Psychology

Tools

Open DOI