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The human cost of war: An experimental study of Taiwanese attitudes towards war casualties

Author

Listed:
  • Ronan Tse-min Fu

    (Institute of Political Science, 38017Academia Sinica, Taiwan)

  • Weiwen Yin

    (Department of Government and Public Administration, 59193University of Macau, Macau)

  • Enze Han

    (Department of Politics and Public Administration, 25809The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

Abstract

This paper investigates public attitudes toward types of war casualties. Through a survey experiment, we examine Taiwanese responses to hypothetical scenarios involving casualties among Taiwan's own military, the US military as allies, the Chinese military as enemy combatants, and mainland Chinese civilians. Our paper reveals three findings: first, there is a stronger aversion among Taiwanese citizens to their own military casualties compared with those of their allies. Second, Taiwanese attitudes toward their own military casualties are more adverse than those incurred by enemy military. Lastly, Taiwanese support for military action diminishes more significantly with Chinese civilian casualties than with Taiwanese military losses.

Suggested Citation

  • Ronan Tse-min Fu & Weiwen Yin & Enze Han, 2025. "The human cost of war: An experimental study of Taiwanese attitudes towards war casualties," Conflict Management and Peace Science, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 42(5), pages 559-577, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:compsc:v:42:y:2025:i:5:p:559-577
    DOI: 10.1177/07388942241290445
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Janina Dill & Scott D. Sagan & Benjamin Valentino, 2023. "Inconstant Care: Public Attitudes Towards Force Protection and Civilian Casualties in the United States, United Kingdom, and Israel," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 67(4), pages 587-616, April.
    2. Austin Horng-En Wang & Nadia Eldemerdash, 2023. "National identity, willingness to fight, and collective action," Journal of Peace Research, Peace Research Institute Oslo, vol. 60(5), pages 745-759, September.
    3. Gartner, Scott Sigmund, 2008. "The Multiple Effects of Casualties on Public Support for War: An Experimental Approach," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 102(1), pages 95-106, February.
    4. Mercer, Jonathan, 1995. "Anarchy and identity," International Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 49(2), pages 229-252, April.
    5. Austin Horng-En Wang & Charles K. S. Wu & Yao-Yuan Yeh & Fang-Yu Chen, 2023. "High-level visit and national security policy: Evidence from a quasi-experiment in Taiwan," International Interactions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 49(1), pages 132-146, January.
    6. repec:plo:pone00:0181422 is not listed on IDEAS
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