Description
Political leaders play a crucial role in shaping foreign policy decisions. This observation is especially true in the context of rivalrous relationships between states. Research on rivalries has shown they develop in a unique context which differs from the usual competition among countries. What makes rivalries distinctive is their protracted nature, proneness to escalation and the presence of socio-psychological factors shaping their dynamics. Due to the escalatory potential and the adverse effects on international security, there is an increasing consensus in the field of International Relations about the relevance of conducting research which helps improves our understanding of these rivalries’ dynamics. Growing research has shown that policymakers’ beliefs and emotions are crucial factors in shaping conflicts between states. From a political psychology approach, this paper argues that political leaders’ beliefs and emotions towards the rival country can help make sense of the resilience and variation in the bilateral relationship. To carry out the analysis, this study focusses on the Peruvian–Chilean rivalry. This work draws on interviews conducted with foreign policy decision-makers in both countries.
