Viewing IR Through a Unicolonial Lens: A Case Study on the Effects of Cultural Recognition on State Behavior

Author

Andrew Viera, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

7-1-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Michelle Keck

Second Advisor

Mark Kaswan

Third Advisor

Dongkyu Kim

Abstract

The following thesis utilizes the concept of unicoloniality, a process found within several ant species, to analyze the aggressive behavior and alliance-forming behavior of states. Through the unique lens of ant colony behavior, this study creates a new variable for quantifying culture that measures whether two states can recognize each other based on their cultural identity. Utilizing this noble variable, a logistic regression model was run to test the impact of cultural recognition on state behavior. The results indicated that cultural recognition had no effect on the decision of a state to join an alliance or engage in a militarized dispute. However, it did reduce the likelihood of two states going to war with one another, raising key questions about the role of culture in the decision of states to go to war.

Comments

Copyright 2024 Andrew Viera. https://proquest.com/docview/3116452412

Recommended Citation

Viera, Andrew, "Viewing IR Through a Unicolonial Lens: A Case Study on the Effects of Cultural Recognition on State Behavior" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1611.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1611