Anti‐Americanism, Authoritarian Politics, and Attitudes about Women's Representation: Evidence from a Survey Experiment in Jordan3. Issue 1 (7th July 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bush, Sarah Sunn; Jamal, Amaney A.
• Is Part Of: International studies quarterly. Volume 59:Issue 1(2015:Mar.)
• Page Start: 34
• Page End: 45
• Publication Date: 2014-07-07
• Subjects: International relations -- Periodicals; World politics -- Periodicals; 303.482
• DOI: 10.1111/isqu.12139
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-8833

Abstract

Abstract : A pillar of American foreign policy in the Middle East since September 11, 2001, has been promoting democracy, with particular emphasis on support for women's representation. Given high levels of anti‐Americanism in the region, does foreign pressure for policy reform undermine this project? Evidence from a nationally representative survey experiment in Jordan shows that an American endorsement of women in politics has no average effect on popular support for women's representation. Instead, domestic patterns of support and opposition to autocrats determine citizens' receptivity to policy endorsements, with policy endorsements of foreign‐supported reforms polarizing public opinion. Both foreign and domestic endorsements of women in politics depress support among Jordanians who oppose their regime significantly more than among Jordanians who support it.