Abstract

ZILINCIK, Samuel. Public attribution as a regulator of emotion: Manipulating the political effects of hostilities. Rev. Cient. Gen. José María Córdova [online]. 2019, vol.17, n.28, pp.869-889.  Epub May 11, 2020. ISSN 1900-6586.  https://doi.org/10.21830/19006586.528.

Ascribing attribution in security and strategic studies often focuses on its technical feasibility not its political utility. This paper highlights the emotional effects of attribution. It contends that public attribution can convert the effects produced by hostile activities into favorable circumstances, regulating the emotions of domestic populations. Allocating responsibility to oneself can elicit guilt, shame, or pride, blaming an "other" is likely to elicit anger, and blaming impersonal circumstances can elicit sadness. Anger and pride can be harnessed to support escalation foreign policies. Guilt, shame, and sadness are likely to be used for de-escalation policies of restraint. Hence, attribution should be understood as an opportunity to manipulate the effects of hostile activity to one's advantage.

Keywords : attribution; emotion; escalation; politics; security; strategy.

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