Question

Two neighboring nations are each stockpiling weapons. Each sees its neighbor's actions as an act of aggression and its own actions as self-defense. Evidently, these nations are victims of?

1) prejudice
2) groupthink
3) self-serving bias
4) the fundamental attribution error

Answer 1

The situation described is an example of the 'security dilemma' and is correctly identified as being a result of 'the fundamental attribution error,' where each nation views its own actions as defensive and the others as aggressive.

Step-by-step explanation:

The scenario presented where two neighboring nations are each stockpiling weapons as a reaction to the other's actions can be recognized as a manifestation of the security dilemma. This situation occurs when a state's actions intended for self-defense are perceived as a threat by another, prompting that state to also engage in potentially aggressive behavior in response. The correct term for the cognitive bias occurring here is option 4) the fundamental attribution error. The fundamental attribution error takes place when a person or a group attributes their own actions to external factors (e.g., self-defense) while attributing others' actions to their personality or character (e.g., aggression). This overlooks the fact that the other party may also be acting out of perceived self-defense, contributing to a spiral of increasing tensions and armament.