Power in Politically Charged Networks

Abstract

We offer a theory and measure for determining powerful nodal positions based on potential inter-actor control in “politically charged” networks, which contain both allies and adversaries. Power is derived from actors that are dependent on the focal actor and sociometrically weak, either due to a lack of alternative allies or from being threatened by others. We create a new Political Independence Index (PII), compare it to other established measures, and illustrate its use in the setting of an international network of alliances and military conflicts from 1946-2000. Results show that politically independent nations as measured by PII have smaller increases in military personnel than others over time.

Keywords: Power, politics, control, social networks, political independence, conflict