Outbursts of Solidarity: External Events, Emotions and Support for Refugees

• In Event: Historical and Contemporary Challenges to Host-Refugee Integration

Abstract

What explains sudden changes in public opinion towards refugees? While much research has studied how unforeseen external threats, such as terrorist attacks, may tip public opinion against refugees, less research has studied what events may mobilise public support for refugees. In the context of the war in Ukraine, we use an unexpected-event-during-survey design to understand what the impact of sudden new Russian missile strikes is on public opinion towards refugees. Using survey data from over 3,000 Europeans, we find that respondents surveyed just after missile strikes against Ukraine started are more supportive of refugees. We also explore how this is related to emotions towards the war, and find that increased support for refugees goes hand-in-hand with heightened feelings of anger, rather than anxiety. This study contributes to our understanding of the dynamic nature of public opinion, and its relationship with emotions.

Author

• Katharina Lawall, Centre for the Politics of Feelings, University of London