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Political Science 669: Network Analysis and World Politics: Course Description
Political Science 669: Network Analysis and World Politics: Course Description
course description
This course introduces students to concepts of network theory as they
apply to the world political system and to theoretical and empirical net-
work analyses of that system. We will explore how network theory can
offer novel insights into enduring problems in world politics, including
terrorism, economic development, conflict (intra- and international), and
investment. We will examine agency within structures that are rendered
as networks, seeking to understand the interdependent contexts in which
social action occurs. At each step we will link network characteristics
– e.g., prominence – to prior concepts in political science – e.g., hege-
mony. No prior knowledge of network theory or methodology is required,
although students should be prepared for technical discussion at times.
requirements
This is a seminar course. Attendance at each meeting is mandatory and
absences will not be excused barring truly unfortunate circumstances. I
expect you to come to each meeting having read the assigned material
carefully, and to participate in discussions. The other requirements in-
volve writing:
1
2
readings
The articles will all be posted on the course website. If you can’t find
something let me know right away. If you do not have much background
in network analysis and would like a background textbook or two for ref-
erence, please let me know and I will recommend some to you.
Jason Beckfield. The social structure of the world polity. American Journal of
Sociology, 115(4):1018–1068, 2010.
xv (dec. 8)
Presentations.
9
Bibliography
[2] Jason Beckfield. The social structure of the world polity. American
Journal of Sociology, 115(4):1018–1068, 2010.
[7] Xun Cao. Global networks and domestic policy convergence: A net-
work explanation of policy changes. World Politics, 64(3):375–425,
2012.
[10] Alexander Cooley and Daniel H. Nexon. ‘the empire will compensate
you’: The structural dynamics of the u.s. overseas basing network.
Perspectives on Politics, 11(4):1034–1050, 2013.
[16] Cassy Dorff and Michael D. Ward. Networks, dyads, and the social
relations model. Political Science Research and Methods, 1(2):159–
178, 2013.
[18] Jay Goodliffe and Darren Hawkins. Dependence networks and the
diffusion of domestic political institutions. Journal of Conflict Res-
olution, forthcoming, 2015.
[24] Shin-Kap Han. The other ride of paul revere: The brokerage role in
the making of the american revolution. Mobilization: An Interna-
tional Quarterly, 14(2):143–162, 2009.
[28] Danielle Jung and David A. Lake. Markets, Hierarchies, and Net-
works: An Agent-Based Organizational Ecology. American Journal
of Political Science, 55(4):971–989, 2011.
[31] Yonatan Lupu and Vincent A. Traag. Trading communities, the net-
worked structure of international relations, and the kantian peace.
Journal of Conflict Resolution, 57(6):1011–1042, 2013.
[34] Zeev Maoz. How network analysis can inform the study of in-
ternational relations. Conflict Management and Peace Science,
29(3):247–256, 2012.
[37] Nils W. Metternich, Cassy Dorff, Max Gallop, Simon Weschle, and
Michael D. Ward. Antigovernmental networks in civil conflicts:
How network structures affect conflictual behavior. American Jour-
nal of Political Science, 57(4):892–911, 2013.
[39] Amanda Murdie. The ties that bind: A network analysis of human
rights international nongovernmental organizations. British Jour-
nal of Political Science, 44(1):1–27, 2014.
[41] Daniel H. Nexon. The Struggle for Power in Early Modern Europe.
Princeton University Press, Princeton, NJ, 2009.
13
[47] Stefania Vitali, James B. Glattfelder, and Stefano Battiston. The net-
work of global corporate control. PLoS ONE, 6(10), 2011.
[50] W. Kindred Winecoff. Financial power and the global crisis: A net-
work analytical approach. Business and Politics, 17(3):495–526,
2015.
[51] Kevin Young. Not by structure alone: power, prominence, and agency
in american finance. Business and Politics, 17(3):443–472, 2015.