“Groups Can Change, Therefore War is Avoidable”: How Confidence in National Identity Can Reduce Public Support for Militant Internationalism

Abstract As a way to alleviate interstate aggression, researchers have proposed submergence of existing national identities and promotion universalism instead. In contrast, this study suggests that strong can reduce public support for militaristic foreign policy. I examine the mechanism relationship, proposing affirmation increases beliefs nature other groups is malleable rather than fixed. The belief malleability group opens possibility negotiation peacebuilding between rival states, as conflict with side becomes an avoidable option. Integrating theories political psychology resolution, conduct novel survey experiments sample 944 Japanese participants. Results revealed respondents who reflected on positive aspects their identity tended hold lower levels These effects were transmitted via increase in war avoidability.