Media Attributions and Public's Responses to Russia–Ukraine War: The Role of Emotions Toward Nation and Individuals

Objective: Based on Weiner's attribution model, this research examined how attributions regarding an international conflict (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war) lead to the public's responses (e.g., helping vs. punishment), mediated by their emotions toward nations (e.g., Russia vs. Ukraine) and individuals (e.g., Russians vs. Ukrainians). Methods: In Study 1, we conducted a content analysis of 253 news articles about Russia-Ukraine war that were published in Korea. In Study 2, we conducted a survey of 400 Korean adults regarding their attributions and responses to Russia and Ukraine. Results: Study 1 showed that the Korean news media attributed more responsibility to Russia and less responsibility to Ukraine. Study 2 found that greater attributions of Russia responsibility increased willingness to punish the nation, mediated by anger toward Russia as a nation but not toward Russian individuals. In addition, results showed that the lower attributions of Ukraine responsibility increased willingness to help the nation, mediated by sympathy toward Ukrainian individuals, and also anger toward Russia as a nation. Conclusion: This study extends existing theory by (a) incorporating intermedia agenda setting at the international level (Study 1) and (b) including emotions toward the nation as well as individuals in attributions (Study 2).