(iPoster) Generations on Security and Defence

• In Event: Poster Session: International Political Economy I & Perspectives on Canadian Foreign Policy
  In Poster Session: Poster Session: Perspectives on Canadian Foreign Policy

Abstract

Western societies are currently undergoing a generational shift with Baby Boomers, set to be replaced by Millennials, as the largest demographic cohort within the next decade. This shift has sparked new interest in the study of generations, especially regarding the perceived generation divide between older generations (Baby Boomers, Gen X) and younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z). Past research points to the possibility of a generational divide in values, trust in democratic institutions, and defence attitudes. (Foa et al. 2020; Helm and Smeltz 2020; S. T. Lyons, Duxbury, and Higgins 2007; Twenge 2013). These results suggest that generations could be an important determinant of public opinion, especially on defence issues. However, generational research has been primarily descriptive and does not adequately explain and test the mechanisms that sustain and shape generations (Costanza et al. 2020; S. Lyons and Kuron 2014). While generational theory posits that generations are formed and maintained through two mechanisms: formative event memories and shared identity, there is limited empirical evidence to support these claims. In order to understand the possible impact of generations, and the impending generation shift on Canadian society and security, we must understand what mechanisms shape and sustain generations.
This study will examine the effect of generations on Canadian defence and discuss the contributions that generational analysis can make to Canadian strategic culture and public opinion research. A survey experiment of approximately 2,000 Canadian adults will be used to test the effect of formative event memory cues and generation identity activation on defence attitudes, including threat perception, defence spending, military operation preferences, and values such as militarism, isolationism, and internationalism. By utilizing this novel approach, this study will be better equipped to isolate the mechanisms that lead to generational differences than previous observational studies. Moreover, measuring the impact of formative event memory cues and generational identity activation will make clearer the theoretical and societal implications of generations and how they might impact defence issues and democracy in the future.

Author

• Alexandra Jane Richards, Simon Fraser University