Terrorism, Elections, and Democracy Political Campaigns in the United States, Great Britain, and Russia

This book examines the influence of terrorist threat in the recent elections in the United States, Great Britain, and Russia to analyze the influence of post-9/11 fears on voting behavior in comparative perspective. Using data from television news analysis, campaign tactics, and focus groups over a four-year period, the authors find that the specter of terrorism plays a distinct role in shaping both election messages and outcomes in the United States and Russia. It is in these two very different countries that warnings about terrorism find the most resonance with parties, candidates, journalists, and voters alike. The analysis shows that terrorism fears have dominated candidate messages in recent elections in Russia and the United States.

Mike Berry is currently a lecturer in Media and Communication at the University of Nottingham.