Q-Analysis of Inter-Ethnic Relationships can Support Information Operations

Abstract

This paper reports on the use of Q-analysis to study the degree of inter-ethnic linkages among the Serbs, Croats, and Muslims in Bosnia-Herzegovina as reflected in the results of public opinion poll data provided by the United States Information Agency (USIA). The degree of inter-group linkage is specified in terms of a property known as the Q-connectivity. Changes in this property reflect changes in the degree of mutual concurrence with specific sets of public opinion poll data. The study uses the Q-analytic approach to examine the degree of linkage and division among these ethnic groups in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the period from December 1995 to February 1998. Two clusters of poll data were used in the study. The first cluster, the Ethnic Relations Data Set, reflects answers to questions about each group's attitudes toward, and relationship with, the other ethnic groups; whether they can forget the past and live peacefully together; and their confidence level in the local government, police, and courts. Q-analysis of this data set shows that the groups have confidence in the local government, the police, and the courts, and a need to forget the injustices of the past. However, they also have generally unfavorable opinions of their counterparts, pessimism about peaceful coexistence, and fear of living as an ethnic minority. The second cluster, the International Relations Data Set, reflects the opinions of these groups on the Dayton Peace Accords, the status of the country and its government, the presence of peacekeeping troops, and fear that fighting will start again. Q-analysis of this data set shows a relatively high level of agreement with the Dayton Peace Accords, the belief that the Accords are better than continued war, and acceptance of peacekeeping troops, but also fear that fighting might break out again.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1999
Accession Number
ADA468422

Entities

People

  • Alexander E. Woodcock
  • James E. Heath

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Algebraic Topology
  • Army Intelligence
  • Birds
  • Bosnia Herzegovina
  • Command And Control
  • Data Sets
  • Electronic Mail
  • Ethnic Groups
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • International Relations
  • Local Governments
  • Minority Groups
  • Public Opinion
  • Security
  • United States

Readers

  • International Relations and Conflict Resolution
  • Organizational Psychology.