Application of Network Analysis to Political Changes

Abstract

The research of political changes has been traditionally focusing on specific levels as well as types of analysis. However, political changes are complex phenomena consisting of diverse and interlinked actors and structures. Thus, the integrated methodological approach combining contemporary advanced theories and sophisticated analytical methods is needed to model the political change in its complexity. Newest developments in network analysis methods allow modeling the mechanisms of political changes in a way that avoids both simplistic causal explanations based on few predictors as well as over-generalizations attributing them to dynamics of macro-phenomena and political systems. The Panel welcomes Papers using a variety of methodologies that go beyond the simplified linear understanding of political changes and model them as multidimensional, multilayer, and interdependent systems.