Journal Article - Quarterly Journal: International Security
Words Matter: The Effect of Moral Language on International Bargaining
Summary
States that use moral language to frame a dispute make peaceful resolution less likely. One state’s moralizing leads the opponent to follow suit. Willingness to concede then frustrates both opponents and elicits accusations of hypocrisy from domestic audiences in both states. Moralizing the issue reduces opportunities for compromise and narrows the bargaining range. The case of the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas dispute explores the theory.
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The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.
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For Academic Citation:
Abigail S. Post, "Words Matter: The Effect of Moral Language on International Bargaining," International Security 48, no. 1 (Summer 2023), 125–165, https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00466.
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Summary
States that use moral language to frame a dispute make peaceful resolution less likely. One state’s moralizing leads the opponent to follow suit. Willingness to concede then frustrates both opponents and elicits accusations of hypocrisy from domestic audiences in both states. Moralizing the issue reduces opportunities for compromise and narrows the bargaining range. The case of the Falkland Islands/Islas Malvinas dispute explores the theory.
Want to Read More?
The full text of this publication is available via the original publication source.Abigail S. Post, "Words Matter: The Effect of Moral Language on International Bargaining," International Security 48, no. 1 (Summer 2023), 125–165, https://doi.org/10.1162/isec_a_00466.
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Audio - Harvard Environmental Economics Program
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