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Terrorism and Misperceptions: Evidence from Europe

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Listed:
  • K. Peren Arin
  • Umair Khalil
  • Deni Mazrekaj
  • Marcel Thum

Abstract

How does exposure to Islamist terrorism change perceptions of the share of Muslims and immigrants? We conduct a large-scale survey that measures misperceptions towards minority groups in four European countries. Our results show that terror attacks in the past increased misperceptions of the share of Muslims and immigrants. We also contend that this increase in misperceptions is particularly large and significant for lower-educated respondents and people from regions with a low share of the foreign population. Given that misperceptions are higher on average in regions with a large share of foreigners, terror attacks make misperceptions across different groups converge.

Suggested Citation

  • K. Peren Arin & Umair Khalil & Deni Mazrekaj & Marcel Thum, 2023. "Terrorism and Misperceptions: Evidence from Europe," CESifo Working Paper Series 10476, CESifo.
    • Handle: RePEc:ces:ceswps:_10476
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    JEL classification:

    • D70 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - General
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government
    • H12 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Crisis Management
    • H41 - Public Economics - - Publicly Provided Goods - - - Public Goods
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health

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