Image theory in contemporary political psychology

The aim of this paper is to present international image theory (IIT) that is unknown in Czech and Slovak psychology. This theory is used in political psychology to investigate intergroup stereotypes in the international arena. It is argued that the IIT provides an integrative framework for stereotype content research in the international arena, anchored in particular political and cultural context. The first part of the paper presents the historical background of the theory and offers a synthetic definition of five main images enemy, ally, barbarian, imperialist and dependent based on critical analysis of existing literature. The second part focuses on image theory limitations, especially as far as the operationalization of images and the theory use outside of the context of international relations are concerned. The third part outlines perspectives for further research and practical implications of image theory, mainly for political communication, international conflicts and crises resolution and relations between ethnic groups.