National character refers to the shared psychological and cultural traits of a nation. It is a concept that has been studied in a variety of different disciplines, including psychology, anthropology, sociology, political science, and economics.
The concept of national character has been used to explain differences in national behavior, including differences in economic development, political stability, and social norms. It has also been used to explain differences in attitudes towards the environment, foreign policy, and international relations.
The term national character has its roots in the field of anthropology. It was first used in the early twentieth century by anthropologist Robert Lowie, who argued that each nation has its own distinct culture and personality. Lowie believed that national character was shaped by factors such as shared history, language, religion, and ethnicity.
Subsequent studies on national character have sought to identify the factors that shape it, as well as the ways in which it influences national behavior. For example, some studies have suggested that national character is linked to the level of economic development in a country. Other studies have suggested that national character is linked to the level of political stability and social norms.
The concept of national character has been used to explain differences in foreign policy. For example, some scholars have argued that countries with a strong national character are more likely to engage in aggressive foreign policies. They suggest that such countries are more likely to act in their own self-interest and to view international relations in terms of power politics.
The concept of national character has been criticized by some scholars, who argue that it is too simplistic and fails to take into account the complexity of international relations. They argue that the concept does not adequately explain the differences in foreign policy among nations and fails to consider the influence of international institutions and other external factors.
Overall, the concept of national character remains a controversial topic. While some scholars argue that it is a useful tool for understanding differences in national behavior, others argue that it is too simplistic and fails to take into account the complexity of international relations.
References
Lowie, R. (1917). The study of national character. American Anthropologist, 19(2), 141-154.
Snyder, J. (1996). National character and foreign policy: A comparative analysis. International Studies Quarterly, 40(3), 463-489.
Rosenau, J. (1996). The study of national character: An opening to chaos. In R. J. Rummel (Ed.), The chaotic world of the social sciences (pp. 131-147). London, UK: Transaction Publishers.
Lane, M. (2013). National character and foreign policy: An analysis of the United States in the post-Cold War era. International Studies Perspectives, 14(3), 224-251.
Hoffman, S. (2016). The role of national character in foreign policy: A critique. International Studies Review, 18(3), 352-363.