Public Opinion in Interstate Relations: A Rivalry Perspective

Author : Shinta Puspitasari

Abstract : This paper focuses on the public opinion and interstate rivalry. The main goal of this study is to analyse the influence of public opinion in the interstate relations through rivalry perspective. Public opinion has been an important instrument in domestic politics not only for the electoral system but also to determine the level of public satisfaction towards the government. Despite not having a direct impact on international arena, public opinion also holds a significant role in how the government approach international affairs, which also includes relations between states. This claim is especially true for democratic states because public satisfaction is the focal point in democratic government. However, this study argues that public opinion is not only used by democratic states but also non-democratic states. Therefore, when it comes to interstate relations, the role of public opinion cannot be overlooked. Hence, this study argues that within the rivalry studies, public opinion can be placed under two rivalry characteristics: identification and psychological hostility. Further, public opinion can also be categorized under positional rivalry.

Keywords : Public opinion, interstate relations, rivalry.

Conference Name : International Conference on International Relations and Governance (ICIREG - 26)

Conference Place : Jakarta Raya, Indonesia

Conference Date : 28th Sep 2026