Determinants of attitudes toward foreign countries

This study tests the hypothesis offered by Nincic and Russett (1979) that perceived similarity and perceived commonalities in national interests are strong predictors of overall opinion ratings of foreign countries. Conceptual and operational limitations of the original model are outlined and an elaborated formulation of the factors affecting overall opinion ratings is introduced. Consistent with expectations based on recent findings from studies of intergroup relations and interpersonal attraction, perceived trust, similarity, and shared national interests were found to be significant determinants of opinion. In addition, it was shown that perceptions of recent foreign policy actions in areas apparently high in personal salience play a significant role in opinion ratings. The role of the mass media in the formation of public opinion about foreign countries is also discussed.