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Just how small is this world really? An application of small world theory to the study of globalization
Author(s) -
FREYBERGINAN ANNETTE
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
global networks
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.685
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1471-0374
pISSN - 1470-2266
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0374.2006.00142.x
Subject(s) - globalization , analogy , flexibility (engineering) , politics , relevance (law) , international relations , actor–network theory , network theory , global network , international relations theory , sociology , epistemology , political science , neoclassical economics , positive economics , economics , social science , computer science , management , law , computer network , philosophy , statistics , mathematics
Inspired by recent research on the dynamics of ‘small‐world’ networks, in this article I apply its basic arguments and findings to the study of integrative processes in the international system. Employing the logic of network models we can learn, by analogy, from fields as diverse as neural science and forest fire prevention, much about the likely changes caused in the international political environment by increased interaction among its various units. I first explain recent developments in network theory and demonstrate their relevance for the study of international politics and economics. I then develop the most important insights to be transferred from network theory to the study of globalization. Network theory suggests that our world truly ‘shrinks’ only to the extent that relations among international actors cross pre‐existing alliances or cooperative arrangements. Making the world a single place seems to require flexibility in forming attachments with other actors which goes beyond culturally and historically justified efforts at exchange and cooperation.