Frustration Nation: Why Leaders Choose Foreign-Imposed Regime Change to Forcibly Overthrow Governments & The Role of Emotions in Foreign Policy Behavior

Authors

Gordon Reeves, The College of WoosterFollow

Abstract

This study delves into why militarized regime change operations take place by states, and how emotions in individual leaders contribute to more aggressive foreign policy outcomes. Going beyond traditional literature, I hypothesize that the emotion of frustration as an affective state is the common thread in causing leaders to choose regime change to overthrow an obstructive foreign leader. Studying cases in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Iraq, the data appears to support that hypothesis. Frustration causes increased aggression, making more direct action approaches like foreign-imposed regime change (FIRC) more appealing.

Advisor

Lantis, Jeff

Department

Political Science

Recommended Citation

Reeves, Gordon, "Frustration Nation: Why Leaders Choose Foreign-Imposed Regime Change to Forcibly Overthrow Governments & The Role of Emotions in Foreign Policy Behavior" (2023). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 10669.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/10669

Disciplines

International Relations

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis