The Elective Affinities of Anti-Semitic and Anti-American Resentments in Germany

ObjectiveRecent works on anti-Americanism have indicated a link between anti-American and anti-Semitic resentments but neither an explication of the underlying mechanisms nor satisfying empirical data regarding such a relationship exist. This article offers historical insights and theoretical reflections as well as quantitative data for the case of Germany with which the theoretical assumptions are tested. MethodsThe sample of the study consists of 1,201 respondents randomly selected from the German population older than 18 years (computer-assisted telephone interviews survey). The data are analyzed using seemingly unrelated regression models. ResultsAnti-American and anti-Semitic attitudes correlate substantially. Multivariate models show that this correlation can be explained via the common function of both to rationalize social change. ConclusionThe historical ties of European anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism are still prevalent today. They combine into a comprehensive symptom that is constituted by the uncertainty caused by globalization and an accelerated capitalism.