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Shadows of War: Military Action’s Impact on Terror Anxiety in Europe

Author

Listed:
  • Kechrinioti Alexandra

    (Department of Economics, 69000 University of Piraeus , Piraeus, Greece)

  • Karamanis Dimitrios

    (Department of Economics, 69000 University of Piraeus , Piraeus, Greece)

Abstract

This article examines the impact of military activities on public perceptions of terrorism within Europe. Utilizing data from the European Social Survey (ESS) database, which includes 92,636 respondents from 27 countries over the period 2005–2008, we analyse how increases in military expenditures and the frequency of armed conflicts, influence the public’s fear of terrorism. Our findings show a clear correlation: as countries spend more on the military, participate more actively in conflicts, and their enemies are religiously divergent and less technologically developed, their citizens are more likely to fear terrorist attacks. However, this study also finds that higher levels of social and institutional trust, as well as greater educational attainment and diverse backgrounds of the citizens, can restrict these sentiments. The results highlight a dual need in policy-making: while military preparedness is crucial, enhancing social trust and investing in education could help reduce the heightened perceptions of terrorism risk that military actions may cause. This approach could balance national security needs with maintaining public calm and resilience.

Suggested Citation

  • Kechrinioti Alexandra & Karamanis Dimitrios, 2025. "Shadows of War: Military Action’s Impact on Terror Anxiety in Europe," Peace Economics, Peace Science, and Public Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 31(4), pages 439-460.
    • Handle: RePEc:bpj:pepspp:v:31:y:2025:i:4:p:439-460:n:1002
    DOI: 10.1515/peps-2025-0007
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H56 - Public Economics - - National Government Expenditures and Related Policies - - - National Security and War
    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions
    • C83 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology; Computer Programs - - - Survey Methods; Sampling Methods
    • O52 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Europe

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