Rally Around the Flag Effect
The rally around the flag effect is a structural and behavioral theory in international relations.
Description
The effect describes a tendency for national leaders, especially autocrats, to use war as a diversion for public attention.
It equally describes a tendency for citizens to alter behavior and opinions in the context of a national war.
Reading Notes
Voters rally around the incumbent in the aftermath of terrorist attacks: evidence from multiple unexpected events during surveys; Albert Falcó-Gimeno, Jordi Muñoz, and Roberto Pannico; 2025