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COVID-19-related anxieties do not decrease support for liberal democracy
Veronica Anghel1,2, Julia Schulte-Cloos3
1Department for Social and Political Science European University Institute Italy.
European Journal of Political Research
|October 17, 2022
Summary
COVID-19 fears heightened anxiety but did not increase support for illiberal attitudes or discriminatory policies in Hungary and Romania. The study examined long-term impacts of pandemic-related fear on democratic norms.
Area of Science:
- Political Science
- Social Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic induced widespread fear, potentially impacting democratic norms.
- Initial research indicated a rise in exclusionary attitudes and support for discriminatory policies.
- Long-term consequences of COVID-19 anxieties on commitment to liberal democratic norms remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19-related fear on democratic commitment.
- To examine whether heightened fear influences right-wing authoritarianism, nationalism, or outgroup hostility.
- To assess the impact of pandemic-induced anxiety on support for discriminatory policies.
Main Methods:
- An original experiment manipulating cognitive accessibility of COVID-19 fears was conducted in Hungary and Romania.
- The study was implemented 1.5 years post-pandemic outbreak.
- Respondent emotions, authoritarianism, nationalism, outgroup hostility, and policy preferences were measured.
Main Results:
- The intervention successfully increased worry, anxiety, and fear regarding infectious diseases.
- No significant secondary effects were observed on right-wing authoritarianism, nationalism, or outgroup hostility.
- Preferences for discriminatory policy measures to combat COVID-19 resurgence were not affected.
Conclusions:
- Heightened fear and anxiety related to COVID-19 do not automatically translate into support for illiberal attitudes or discriminatory policies.
- The findings contribute to understanding the demand-side determinants of democratic backsliding and the role of emotions in political behavior.
- Further research is needed to fully comprehend the complex relationship between public health crises and democratic resilience.
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