Date of Award
1-1-2019
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Ph.D. in Political Science
First Advisor
Susan Allen
Second Advisor
Matthew DiGiuseppe
Third Advisor
Timothy Nordstrom
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
How do shifts in the distribution of power effect the foreign policy decisions of states? In this dissertation, I argue that shifts in the distribution of power, status quo dissatisfaction, and power parity work together to significantly impact these decisions. Until this time, the conditional effect of these three variables has only been included in studies of major- or regional-power war, within the theoretical framework of power transition theory. To what extent do these correlates of war apply to foreign policy in general? Borrowing the insights of foreign policy substitution and the logic of the bargaining theory of war, I theorize that rapid shifts in relative state power increase the likelihood that states will engage in economic foreign policy that is aimed at either preserving or altering the status quo distribution of benefits, whether the policy in question is used as a tool of coercion or one of enticement. A key motivating factor for this study is to test the argument, put forward by foreign policy substitution, that similar factors can lead to different policy outcomes. In the empirical analyses, I find general support for this claim.
Recommended Citation
Andrew, Nathan Alvin, "Shifting Power, Status Quo Dissatisfaction, And Power Parity: Their Effect On The Use Of Coercive Foreign Policy In International Relations" (2019). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1914.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/1914