Graduation Term
Spring 2026
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Department of Politics and Government: Political Science
Committee Chair
James Scott
Committee Member
Noha Shawki
Committee Member
Brandy Scott
Abstract
This thesis examines whether contemporary isolationist foreign policy attitudes among Americans are better explained by elite political cues or by economic vulnerabilities. Using data from the 2024 American National Election Study (ANES), the study also examines which mechanism holds more explanatory power in shaping isolationist views. The findings show that both elite cues and economic vulnerabilities are associated with isolationist attitudes, but elite cues have greater explanatory power. These results suggest that contemporary American isolationism is more strongly associated with political identity and elite messaging than with economic hardship alone.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Karmaker, Sabyasachi, "Elite Cues Vs. Economic Vulnerabilities: What Explains Isolationist Foreign Policy Attitudes Among Americans?" (2026). Theses and Dissertations. 2267.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/2267