Lecture 9: political science persepective

Question 1

3 principles in network analysis

Answer 1

1. nodes and their behavior are mutually dependent (not autonomous)
2. ties between nodes can be channels for transmission of both material and nonmaterial products
3. persistent patterns of association among nodes create structures that can define, enable or restrict the behavior of nodes

Question 2

2 structural characteristics of networks, based on the distribution of ties

Answer 2

1. centrality of nodes in the network

2. division of the network into subgroups

Question 3

3 types of centrality (!!)

Answer 3

1. degree centrality: the sum of the value of the ties between a node and every other nod in the network
2. closeness centrality: the length of the path of a node to all other nodes
3. betweenness centrality: the number of shortest paths in a network that pass trough a node
   Extra: eigenvector centrality

Question 4

how to understand formation of new ties (think about the example with all the countries)

Answer 4

1. structural balance: the friend of my friend is my friend. The enemy of my friend is my enemy
2. structural equivalence: nodes in similar structural positions vis-a-vis other nodes will act in similar ways
3. homophily: nodes form ties based on common attributes (like same culture)
4. heterophily; nodes form ties to share strengths and minimize weakness (i have this, you have that, together we have it all)

Question 5

meaning preferential attachment

Answer 5

highly central nodes will form more additional ties than less connected nodes
- and the other way around too

Question 6

three faces of relational power

Answer 6

1. commanding change ( i get B to do something B wouldn’t otherwise do)
2. controlling agendas (agenda-framing, which issues are included)
3. establishing preferences (focus on chaning actors’ basic beliefs, perceptions and preferences)

Question 7

what is network power

Answer 7

1. social power as access
   - prominent position in a network (related to degree centrality)
2. the leverage of network brokers
   - a node having exclusive ties that otherwise are weakly connected
3. exit options and network power
   - This power is often wielded by less embedded nodes at the margins of the network (but how credible is this threat)

Question 8

structural characteristics of HR NGO’s matter

Answer 8

1. organizations with consultative statusn connection with global north & religious have higher propensity to tie to each other (homophily)