How does identifying with one's nation predict support for wars? The role of secure national identification and national narcissism

Abstract

National identity has a significant influence on people's attitudes and behavior. However, several researchers make a distinction between secure national identification and national narcissism. In the present study, we analyzed the relationship of different forms of national identity with militaristic attitudes, i.e. attitudes toward a specific military campaign, to war in general as a way of international conflict resolution, as well as to excessive military violence against prisoners of war and civilians. We used cross-sectional design in several online studies. In Study 1, we measured only the attitudes toward the activity of Russian troops in Ukraine, and in Studies 2a and 2b, four different forms of military attitudes. The studies have revealed differences in the associations of secure national identification and national narcissism with militaristic attitudes. Secure national identification was positively associated with attitudes toward the government-approved military action in Ukraine and, to a lesser extent, to war in general as a way of international conflict resolution. At the same time, national narcissism was positively associated with attitudes toward all forms of military violence. We interpret these results with reference to the content of Russian national identity and social context in modern Russia.