POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY: INTRODUCTORY NOTES ON ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DISCIPLINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
POLITICAL PSYCHOLOGY: INTRODUCTORY NOTES ON ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE DISCIPLINE OF THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Summary/Abstract: In the present world, Political Psychology (PS) has attained a remarkable influence on the International Relations (IR) especially in the analysis of foreign policy decision-making process. With the help of the Political Psychology, researchers examine foreign policies of nations through different conceptual theories and research methods. They use various hypotheses and ways to deal with a variety of interior and exterior elements that effect state conduct and foreign policy decision making. In this context, the PS has taken important steps in explaining the processes behind political attitudes and behaviors, the decision making process and the interaction between individuals and groups. Political Psychology is becoming more and more widespread to examine political phenomena at the individual level as well. Indeed, the PS has been of immense significance in the IR research, such as leadership analysis, terrorist behavior, foreign policy decision making and public opinion. This study aims to discuss the descriptive characteristics of political psychology, research methods and its institutionalization. In an introductory manner, this study further examines the existing and potential contributions of the Political Psychology to IR with a special reference to the study of foreign policy decisionmaking in particular.

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