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The Distribution of Power and the Onset of War

Author

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  • Randolph M. Siverson

    (University of California, Davis)

  • Michael P. Sullivan

    (University of Arizona)

Abstract

The relationship between the distribution of power among nations and the outbreak of war has been a question of perennial interest to students of international politics. Although recent empirical studies seem to support the idea that equal power will lead to the outbreak of war, a review of these studies reveals that the findings are heavily influenced by research designs that (1) include data not closely connected to the theory, (2) reduce the variance in the independent variables, (3) exclude cases of potential power disparity by using only conflicts between contiguous nations, and (4) provide analysis of a restricted range of cases. The article concludes by calling for the analysis of larger data sets with greater variance in both independent and dependent variables.

Suggested Citation

  • Randolph M. Siverson & Michael P. Sullivan, 1983. "The Distribution of Power and the Onset of War," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 27(3), pages 473-494, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:27:y:1983:i:3:p:473-494
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002783027003004
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    Cited by:

    1. Kai A. Konrad & Florian Morath, 2016. "Evolutionary determinants of war," Defence and Peace Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(4), pages 520-534, August.
    2. Lewis House & Michael Ward, 1988. "The behavioral power of nations: an analysis of verbal conflict using the equations of statistical equilibrium," Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 167-189, June.

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