Examining Combat Motivation Beyond Material Factors
Scholars long debated what truly drives combat motivation, arguing that monitoring and material rewards/punishments alone were insufficient explanations. Ideological factors also proved problematic due to operationalization difficulties.
Data & Methods: Leveraging Exogenous Propaganda Exposure
This study combines extensive World War II data on German soldiers' performance with information on conditionally exogenous potential exposure to Nazi radio broadcasts. The analysis employs robust controls for individual socioeconomic background and regional characteristics.
Key Finding: A Strong Correlation
Analysis reveals a clear correlation between higher levels of potential propaganda exposure and increased likelihood of receiving valor decorations, even after accounting for factors like combat experience and regional backgrounds.
Political Science Implications
This finding underscores the significance of Ideational Factors in motivation during total war. It provides crucial insights into understanding how political narratives shape soldier behavior on a large scale.
