Global Patterns of Diplomatic Exchange, 1963-64

Abstract

This article identifies, inductively through factor analysis, groups of nations linked together by relatively high levels of mutual diplomatic representation. Some theories of international politics hypothesize that nations will maintain high diplomatic exchange with states with whom they share particular bonds of common interest, such as cultural similarity or com mercial interaction. Other theories suggest that diplomatic salience is a function of importance in international politics generally - states will send many diplomats to potential enemies and major neutrals, as well as to friends. Support is found for both hypotheses. Most groupings are 'regionally' based among coun tries with bonds of similarity or other interactions, but one major grouping, of 'Large Powers', includes the great powers plus several middle powers. The typical small or medium power is but weakly linked to other small and medium powers outside its own region, but a few (e.g. India, Egypt, Japan) cast wide nets. The groupings are compared systematically with those that appeared in previous analyses for other variables. The closest approximations are found to groups formed by international trade and by common membership in international organiza tions. Substantially poorer fits are achieved with groupings of socio-cultural similarity, UN voting, and geographical proximity.