Date of Graduation

1998

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

This dissertation discusses the theoretical and empirical differences between war coalitions and alliances. It also provides some answers to the question: "Why do some nations choose to join war coalitions while other nations, in apparently similar circumstances, choose not to join?" At the systemic level of analysis, dependence on economic aid, membership in a formal alliance with a key participant, and proximity to the conflict are correlated with the level of participation in a war coalition. At the state level, the degree of democratization, levels of regime fragmentation and vulnerability, and the presence of statutory prohibitions against using military force are all related to participation levels. At the individual level, those states led by an idealistic leader, or one with a personal bias toward the state leading the coalition, or a leader with a high inner need for power and/or affiliation have a higher propensity to participate. The individual level of analysis explains 43.2% of the variation in state participation levels in the Gulf War Coalition, the systemic level 41.7%, and the state level 27.7%. The study demonstrates the importance of coalition theory as a separate area of study as well as the potential importance of the individual decision-maker in war coalition formation.

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