Thesis abstract:

«p»This research examines the significant role of public opinion in shaping foreign policy, particularly in the context of international armed conflicts. Although there is extensive literature on this topic, most studies have predominantly focused on Western countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and some European Union members. In contrast, the interaction between public opinion and foreign policy in many middle powers, including Indonesia, remains understudied. This research gap indicates a lack of understanding regarding the dynamics between Indonesian public opinion and foreign policymaking on international armed conflicts. It also highlights the need to study this topic from the broader perspective of middle powers, especially non-Western countries. «/p» «p»As Indonesia takes on an increasingly active role on global and regional stages, understanding its public opinion on international armed crises and how it intersects with foreign policymaking can help Indonesian policymakers better represent their constituents. Indonesia’s unique geopolitical position and adherence to the non-alignment principle make it a compelling case study for the dynamics between public opinion and foreign policy. «/p» «p»The research aims to address the identified knowledge gaps by providing a detailed analysis of Indonesians' attitudes toward the war in Ukraine and Israel's invasion of Gaza, and how these attitudes corresponded (or not) and affected (or not) Indonesia’s foreign policy on these two crises. The analysis will also explore various factors that may have shaped public opinion and foreign policy decisions, including perceptions of the influence of great powers like the US and China. Empirical research will investigate how the government, particularly foreign policy officials, has interpreted and responded to public opinion indicators, such as media coverage and social media discourses about Indonesia’s foreign policy on Ukraine and Gaza, and the extent to which these dynamics have influenced (or not) Indonesia’s foreign policy.«/p»