Wait and See? Public Opinion Dynamics after Terrorist Attacks

We use the occurrence of London bombings on July 7, 2005, during fieldwork period British Social Attitudes Survey to analyze dynamics public support for measures curbing core freedoms. observe little change in attitudes toward counterterrorist policies first week after attack. Approval infringements privacy and procedural rights surges following weeks before stabilizing at an increased level medium run. Our findings indicate that, when it comes restrictive measures, adopts a wait-and-see attitude rather than reacting fear. Ancillary analyses suggest that media may be source attitudinal changes curtailing civil liberties.