Emotions as a Determinant in Turkish Political Behavior

Abstract

This article provides an experimental analysis of the role emotions play in Turkish voters’ political attitudes and behavior with respect to the Syria crisis. By examining the political effects of emotions, this article contributes to the discussion on Turkish voters’ political attitudes and political behavior. Through an experimental design, this study shows how incidentally raised emotions on the Syria issue can influence individual attitudes on foreign policy, interest in seeking more information about the issue, and evaluations of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's performance. This article aims to stimulate further research in the literature on the potential effects of emotions in Turkish political behavior.