Author ORCID Identifier
Margaret Boittin: 0000-0002-5196-7102
Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Date
2020
Abstract
Natural disasters have been shown to influence support for incumbent governments and political systems in a variety of circumstances. We argue that natural disasters can exhibit a “Rally ’Round the Flag” effect, boosting support for incumbent governments, similar to that observed in international conflict. Leveraging an in-process data collection effort in Nepal that was interrupted by a major earthquake in April 2015, we find evidence that this disaster induced a rally effect. Post-earthquake, support for the political system in Nepal increased. We find this effect implementing both a propensity score matching design and a pre-post test in which the same individuals were interviewed immediately before and after the earthquake. Moreover, this effect is mediated by increased feelings of national pride caused by the earthquake, demonstrating that a rallying effect is taking place. Our findings suggest that large-scale natural disasters that are felt by the entire nation can lead to at least a short-term boost in political support.
Repository Citation
Boittin, Margaret; Mo, Cecilia Hyunjung; and Utych, Stephen, "Can Natural Disasters Have a Rally ’Round the Flag Effect? The Political Consequences of Nepal’s 2015 Earthquake" (2020). All Papers. 394.
https://digitalcommons.osgoode.yorku.ca/all_papers/394
