Beyond Geopolitics? Effects of Social Contact and Cultual Consumption on Attitudes Towards Immigrants from the "Enemy" in East Asia

Do interpersonal and intercultural communications decrease hostility towards immigrants from "enemy countries"? Prior research on attitudes toward immigrants has predominantly focused on Europe and the US, where immigrants often come from the Global South and have distinct cultural backgrounds. Theories like intergroup threat and economic threat have been central in explaining such attitudes in these regions. However, few studies examine the dynamics of immigrant acceptance in East Asia, especially in the context of rising geopolitical tensions between nations often considered "enemies." This study addresses this gap by analyzing data from the East Asia Social Survey (EASS) conducted in Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea in 2008 and 2018. It explores the influence of social contact and cultural consumption on the acceptance of immigrants from "enemy countries." The findings show that the impact of social interactions and cultural exposure varies depending on generational differences and levels of education. Furthermore, perceived economic and cultural threats act as mediators in shaping attitudes toward these immigrants. This research contributes to the literature by highlighting the significance of interpersonal and intercultural communication in mitigating hostility toward immigrants in East Asia. It provides insight into how social contact and cultural engagement can help ameliorate negative attitudes, even in regions with tense geopolitical relationships.