Replication Data for: Fear of Terrorism and Support for Nondemocratic Rule in Democracies

Does fear of terrorism prompt some residents of democracies to abandon the ideal of democratic rule and instead endorse nondemocratic governance? If so, why? In this study, I theorize that fear of terrorism triggers intolerance of outgroups which, in turn, contributes to the erosion of pro-democratic norms and embrace of authoritarian rule. I test this argument using an original survey of the U.S. and an investigation of cross-national survey results from 23 democracies. I find that individuals who fear terrorism are more likely to endorse nondemocratic governance and the effect of fear of terrorism on support for authoritarianism is mediated through increased racism and xenophobia.