This study examines how civilian attitudes toward combatants shift following victimization during wartime in Afghanistan. Using a survey experiment across 204 villages in five Pashtun provinces, researchers discovered an asymmetric effect: harm by the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) led to decreased support for ISAF and increased backing for the Taliban, while Taliban-caused harm did not significantly boost anti-Taliban sentiment.
📍 Data & Methods
Conducted across 204 villages in five Pashtun provinces of Afghanistan.
Utilized a survey experiment design with endorsement techniques to indirectly assess sensitive opinions on combatants.
📊 Key Findings
Civilian attitudes toward combatants are asymmetric: harm by ISAF reduces support for ISAF and increases Taliban approval, but this asymmetry does not extend to Taliban-caused harm.
💡 Political Significance
The findings highlight how civilian perceptions differ based on the perpetrator of violence during conflict, offering insights into public opinion dynamics in war-torn regions.
