“[W]hether public opinion is a constraint on military action or an effect of threats strongly depends on the primary objective of the military operation and whether or not the threats to a state’s national interests are clear and tangible.”
ISIS
Foreign military presence increases the likelihood of terror attacks, especially suicide bombings like this week's attack against U.S. troops in Syria.
Liberal democracies often justify their reliance on military force as necessary to maintaining freedom, as well as frame security threats in terms of the dangers posed to the everyday lives of regular people, such that individuals will be willing to give up some freedom for personal security.
Photo credit: Ben Schumin This analysis summarizes and reflects on the following research: Stephan, M. J. (2015). Civil Resistance vs.