Public Opinion in Britain towards Military Action in Libya: A Micro-Level Analysis

Abstract

This article undertakes a micro‐level analysis of public opinion towards military action in Libya. It examines the effect of sociological factors and political attitudes. It finds evidence of a ‘gender gap’ in support for military action. The effects of partisanship are mediated by attention to politics. Politically attentive Conservative and Liberal Democrat partisans are more supportive of military action. Public opinion is also affected by ideological beliefs, economic perceptions and pre‐existing foreign policy attitudes. The findings contribute to research on public opinion and military intervention and to scholarly understanding of foreign policy attitudes in Britain.

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