ISPS EXPERIMENTS WORKSHOP
Abstract: Do anxieties about cultural change and shifting ethnic demography cause people to oppose globalization? Many people seem to think so, but the evidence remains murky at best. In a survey experiment, we try to answer a frequently-hypothesized relationship that has not been rigorously tested: whether inter-group anxiety from a domestic out-group is sufficient to diminish support for trade. We will share the results of four pilot studies that have tackled this question, and seek feedback on our design for the next iteration of the project. Our presentation will also discuss the various ways in which social psychology has been used and misused to bridge the theoretical gap between symbolic threats and trade protectionism, with a view toward clarifying the scope conditions for this family of theories.
James Sundquist is a third-year PhD student in the department, studying the domestic determinants of Chinese foreign policy, particularly development aid and infrastructure projects. James’ research interests span development politics, backlashes to globalization, and changes in international norms precipitated by China’s rise. He has lived in China for two years, as a public school teacher in Changzhou, and on a Light fellowship in Beijing to pursue advanced language study at Tsinghua University. James graduated from Boston University summa cum laude with a degree in Economics and International Relations.