Networked International Politics: Complex Interdependence and the Diffusion of Conflict and Peace
Type
fundamental research project
Start Date
January 1, 2013
End Date
May 31, 2016
Status
completed
Keywords
Networks
International Conflict
Research Methods
Description
For decades, international relations has focused on dyadic data and 2-player games assuming that interdependencies extending beyond the dyad, although acknowledged in theory, can safely be ignored in empirical research. Only recently have scholars begun to move toward a more nuanced analytical approach to interdependence that allows the behavior of one actor to be contingent on the actions of multiple others. Network theory and methods can help illuminate the causes and consequences of conflict because they allow researchers to develop a better understanding of the causal dynamics and structural geometry of the complex web of interdependencies at work in the diffusion of conflict and peace. These networked interdependencies have already been shown to have crucial consequences to our understanding of the causal dynamics that affect the conflict behavior of states. In this project, we build on these initial studies and draw on network theory and methods to open up new areas for research on the causes and consequences of international conflict in an interdependent world. Our focus on the diffusion of conflict and peace is designed to highlight that networked interdependencies affect the conflict and cooperation behavior of states and other actors in a broad range of areas at the center of international relations scholarship. The contributions to the project examine the role of networked interdependencies in areas, such as militarized interstate disputes and war, international cooperation, ethnic conflict, mediation, alliances, arms transfers, peacekeeping, human rights protection, and conflict resolution by international non-governmental organizations. They also offer a number of methodological innovations related to the development and application of network methods to the study of international relations. Together, the contributions to this project open up new research avenues in the study of international conflict and peace.
Leader contributor(s)
Partner(s)
University of Essex, University of California, San Diego
Funder
Topic(s)
Networks
International Conflict
Research Methods
Method(s)
Statistics
Network Models
Range
HSG Internal
Range (De)
HSG Intern
Division(s)
Eprints ID
236073