Labels Inflate Hawkish Self‑ID

When survey questions use the labels 'hawk' and 'dove' rather than only giving descriptive policy statements, more respondents — especially men and Republicans — identify as hawks and fewer identify as doves. A YouGov randomized experiment shows meaningful percentage shifts, indicating labels operate as social/identity cues that reshape expressed foreign‑policy preferences. — Poll wording that uses identity labels can systematically overstate public support for militaristic policy, skewing media narratives and political incentives around the use of force.