Samenvatting

The authors research the efficacy of Terror Management Theory. Their starting point is the disruption caused by the existential threat of death on military operations, particularly on international stabilization operations that are complicated by problems of coordination and communication between participating national armed forces and by uncertainty regarding the occurrence of attacks. On the basis of quantitative data gathered by the researchers among Dutch soldiers participating in international stabilization operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, they make a number of recommendations. Units in threatening circumstances should increase identification with the army or with the military profession, increase motivation by explaining the purpose of the mission, and increase the soldiers faith in his own capabilities