Threat perceptions, loyalties and attitudes towards peace: The effects of civilian victimization among Syrian refugees in Turkey

Main author: Fabbe, Kristin
Other authors: Hazlett, Chad
Sinmazdemir, Tolga
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-39616
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description For refugees who have fled civil conflict, do experiences of victimization by one armed group push them to support the opposing armed groups? Or, does victimization cause refugees to revoke their support for all armed groups, whatever side they are on, and call instead for peace? This paper studies the effect of civilian victimization on threat perceptions, loyalties, and attitudes toward peace in the context of Syrian refugees in Turkey, many of whom faced regime-caused violence prior to their departure. Our research strategy leverages variation in home destruction caused by barrel bombs to examine the effect of violence on refugees’ views. We find that refugees who lose their home to barrel bombs withdraw support from armed actors and are more supportive of ending the war and finding peace. Suggestive evidence shows that while victims do not disengage from issues in Syria, they do show less optimism about an opposition victory.
format Journal Article
author Fabbe, Kristin
author_facet Fabbe, Kristin
Hazlett, Chad
Sinmazdemir, Tolga
authorStr Fabbe, Kristin
author_letter Fabbe, Kristin
author2 Hazlett, Chad
Sinmazdemir, Tolga
author2Str Hazlett, Chad
Sinmazdemir, Tolga
title Threat perceptions, loyalties and attitudes towards peace: The effects of civilian victimization among Syrian refugees in Turkey
publisher Sage
publishDate 2024
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/39616/