Choosing Your Neighbors: Networks of Diffusion in International Relations
| Title: | Choosing Your Neighbors: Networks of Diffusion in International Relations |
| Author: |
Zhukov, Yuri, M.; Stewart, Brandon Michael
Note: Order does not necessarily reflect citation order of authors. |
| Citation: | Zhukov, Yuri M. and Brandon M Stewart. Forthcoming. Choosing your neighbors: Networks of diffusion in international relations. International Studies Quarterly. |
| Full Text & Related Files: |
neighbors_isq_preprint.pdf (4.719Mb; PDF) 
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| Abstract: | In examining the discussion of social and political phenomena like regime transition, conflict, and policy change, scholars routinely make choices about how proximity is defined and which neighbors should be considered more important than others. Since each specification offers an alternative view of the networks through which discussion can take place, one's decision can exert a significant influence on the magnitude and scope of estimated discussion effects. This problem is widely recognized, but is rarely the subject of direct analysis. In international relations research, connectivity choices are usually ad hoc, driven more by data availability than by theoretically informed decision criteria. We take a closer look at the assumptions behind these choices, and propose a more systematic method to asses the structural similarity of two or more alternative networks, and select one that most plausibly relates theory to empirics. We apply this method to the spread of democratic regime change, and offer an illustrative example of how neighbor choices might impact predictions and inferences in the case of the 2011 Arab Spring. |
| Published Version: | http://www.wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0020-8833 |
| Terms of Use: | This article is made available under the terms and conditions applicable to Open Access Policy Articles, as set forth at http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:dash.current.terms-of-use#OAP |
| Citable link to this page: | http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:5142122 |
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Peer reviewed scholarly articles from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences of Harvard University
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