Loser’s Consent in Self-Determination Referendums

• In Event: Ethno-National Conflict

Abstract

New survey evidence, collected by the authors in 2022 and 2023 under the auspices of ARINS (Analyzing and Researching Ireland North and South), is used to explore the extension of the concept of loser’s consent from general elections to self-determination referendums. What can be done to achieve loser’s consent in such referendums, which many assume will trigger violence? Are there reliable proxy measures that enable prediction of what will achieve loser’s consent, and what will increase or decrease its levels after such referendums?

Authors

• Brendan O'Leary, University of Pennsyviana

• John Garry, Queen's University of Belfast