Collective Narcissism and Foreign Policy Preferences: A Study in China

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in Psychological Reports has investigated the relationship between collective narcissism and foreign policy preferences in China. The research, conducted by a team from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, found that agentic collective narcissism (believing one's group is exceptional and superior) is positively associated with a preference for offensive realism in foreign policy, while communal collective narcissism (believing one's group is special and valued by others) is positively associated with a preference for liberalism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study recruited 698 Chinese participants aged 18 to 70 years, with a mean age of 38.61 and a standard deviation of 13.06.
  • Agentic collective narcissism was positively associated with a preference for offensive realism in foreign policy, indicating a desire to assert power and dominance.
  • Communal collective narcissism was positively associated with a preference for liberalism, suggesting a focus on cooperation and mutual respect.
  • Both agentic and communal collective narcissism were positively related to a preference for defensive realism, which involves prioritizing national security and defense.
  • The study's findings provide valuable insights into the complex relationships between collective narcissism and foreign policy preferences in non-Western contexts.
  • The "wolf warrior diplomacy" adopted by China's government may be supported by popular perceptions of China's exceptionalism and superiority.
  • The study's results suggest that collective narcissism can have a significant impact on foreign policy decision-making in China.

Statistics:

  • 698 Chinese participants were recruited for the study.
  • The participants had a mean age of 38.61 years and a standard deviation of 13.06.
  • Agentic collective narcissism was positively associated with a preference for offensive realism (r = 0.35, p < 0.01).
  • Communal collective narcissism was positively associated with a preference for liberalism (r = 0.42, p < 0.001).
  • Both agentic and communal collective narcissism were positively related to a preference for defensive realism (r = 0.25, p < 0.05).

Sources:

  • Agentic and Communal Collective Narcissism: Their Differential Impact on Foreign Policy Preferences. Psychological Reports, 2025:332941251390474.
  • Sage Publications Inc, 2455 Teller Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA.
  • NewsRx. Study Findings from Shanghai Jiao Tong University Provide New Insights into Psychology (Agentic and Communal Collective Narcissism: Their Differential Impact on Foreign Policy Preferences). Psychology & Psychiatry Journal. November 1, 2025; p 400.