(A) network analysis of international alliance system : its geographical descriptions and strategic implications for Korea

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

'Alliance network' or 'networkization of alliance' is a newly transpired concepts after the emergence of international phenomena which cannot be explained from the perspective of conventional philosophies in international relations. It is also signigicant to note that the emergence of such transition is not isolatedly happened in a specific region, but has been witnessed in the rest of the world. Within this context, this study aims to analyze the structure and characteristics of current international alliance network, to figure out the pivotal axis in that network, to verify the contemporary scholars' international systems discussions, and to draw policy implications for Korea based on the understandings of international and regional alliance network structure.
To achieve these research purposes, this study applied the social network analysis methods, and find out the following research outcomes. First, the distribution of international alliance network at the present stage reveals to be impartial. The Lorenz Curve of the international alliance network is deviated hugely from its base-line(the Gini-Coefficient: 0.899), And in regard to Ego-network Density, the United Arab Emirates, Syrian Arab Republic, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar boast a higher Ego-network Density, imparting they have strengths in the coordination and cooperation on managing a specific international issue.
Second, the attempt to search for principal axis in international alliance network results that those countries viewed the principal axises in the international alliance network include the United States of America, Canada, Bahamas, Russia, France, Spain when measured based on the Centrality of network. They play a role as a hub or connector in the international alliance network.
Third, this study partially reputes the existing claim of ‘international system’ by the international politics scholars. The actual international system, in terms of international alliance network, does not fulfil the criteria of Multi-polar system and contains the characteristics of Uni-polar system. This study coined a novel term to refer such system to “Multi-polarity having single relative super power.”
Fourth, this study brings about Korea's future focus on its possible strategic alliance partners in reflection of network power currently receiving attention. Consequently, Korea can expect a dramatic increase in its network power when Korea is bilaterally allied with those states positioned in the Structural-holes of international alliance network and with the countries of showing high ego-network density at regional level.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• Abstract i
• I. Introduction 1
• 1. Research Subject and Scope of the Study 3
• 2. Research Process 5
• II. Review of the Related Literatures and Theoretical Backgrounds 7
• 1. Review of the Previous Studies 8
• (1) Alliance Related Literatures 8
• (2) Social Network Analysis Related Literatures 13
• (3) Studies of Alliance Using Social Network Analysis Methods 23
• 2. Alliance Theory and Types of International Alliance System 28
• (1) Concepts and Definitions of Alliance 28
• (2) Types of International Alliance System 33
• III. Research Methods: Social Network Analysis Methods 41
• 1. Overview of the Methodology 41
• (1) Network and Network Analysis Methods 41
• (2) Observable Attributes of the Object through the Methods 48
• 2. Social Network Analysis Toolkits 61
• (1) Introducing Some Social Network Analysis Toolkits 61
• (2) Comparison of the Social Network Analysis Toolkits 62
• (3) Toolkit Selection and Application 64
• IV. Geographical Descriptions of Current International Alliance Networks 66
• 1. Establishment of a Model 67
• (1) Hypothesizing Research Questions 67
• (2) Operational Redefinitions and Indicators Selection 69
• 2. Application of the Data to the Model 73
• (1) Network Data Gathering and Processing 73
• (2) Inserting Data into the Toolkit 77
• 3. Research Outcomes and Interpretations 78
• (1) Structure of International Alliance Network 78
• (2) Principal Axes in the International Alliance Network 86
• (3) Discussions for Defining Current International Polarity 99
• V. Implications for Building Korea's Strategic Alliance Network 105
• 1. Defining Korea's Power within the Network 106
• (1) Criteria for Evaluating a State's Network Power 106
• (2) Korea's Network Power in International and Regional Alliance Networks 110
• 2. Developing New Strategies with Network Measure 122
• (1) Network Centrality Based Strategy 122
• (2) Network Density Based Strategy 124
• (3) Structural Hole Based Strategy 125
• 3. Korea's Possible Strategic Alliance Networks 127
• (1) International Level Strategic Alliance Networks 127
• (2) Regional Level Strategic Alliance Networks 133
• VI. Conclusions and Recommendations 139
• 1. Research Summarization 139
• 2. Policy Recommendations 141
• 3. Limitations of the Study and Future Directions 144
• Reference 147