Maoz views the evolution of international relations over the last two centuries as a set of interacting, cooperative and conflicting networks of states. The networks that emerged are the result of national choice processes about forming or breaking ties with other states. States are constantly concerned with their security and survival in an anarchic world. Their security concerns stem from their external environment and their past conflicts. Because many of them cannot ensure their security by their own power, they need allies to balance against a hostile international environment. The alliance choices made by states define the structure of security cooperation networks and spill over into other cooperative networks, including trade and institutions. Maoz tests his theory by applying social networks analysis (SNA) methods to international relations. He offers a novel perspective as a system of interrelated networks that co-evolve and interact with one another.

Offers a novel perspective on the study of international relations as a system of interrelated networks that co-evolve and interact with one another.

Part I. What Are International Networks? 1. Social networks analysis and the study of world politics 2. Fundamental issues in social networks analysis ? concepts, measures, methods 3. The network structure of the international system, 1816?2001 4. Security egonets: strategic reference groups and the microfoundations of national security policy Part II. The Formation of International Networks ? Theory and Evidence 5. Networked international politics: a theory of network formation and evolution 6. Testing the theory of international network formation 7. Nations in networks: prestige, status-inconsistency, influence, and conflict Part III. The Implications of the Theory of International Network Formation 8. Democratic networks: resolving the democratic peace puzzle 9. Interdependence and international conflict: the consequences of strategic and economic networks 10. Evolution and change in the world system: a structural analysis of dependence, growth, and conflict in a class society 11. An international system of networks: interdependence, polarization, balance, and international stability 12. The network analysis of international politics: insights and evidence