Domestic Sources of Global Change

The political organization of the world has changed a great deal over the last two centuries. This book examines how these global changes arise out of developments in the internal politics of states. It explores how states react to changes in their international environment and how domestic and international events together affect the stability of the political systems of states. InDomestic Sources of Global ChangeZeev Maoz looks at the relationship between domestic and international political processes at various stages of the life cycles of states. It examines the relationship between the ways in which states acquire independence and their involvement in international conflict. It explores the relationship between domestic political change and a state's involvement in international conflicts. Maoz discusses how changes in the international environment of states affect their strategic behavior. Finally the book considers both the internal and international determinants of domestic regime change. The study combines explanations using systemic, regional and national factors to explain international behavior. Maoz argues that there exist intimate links between domestic political processes and international processes. By comparing three perspectives on global change--the systemic, which focuses on aspects of the international system which are beyond the control of states; the regional which looks at the impact of characteristics of the region in which a state is located; and the national which focuses on domestic political forces--the study shows how each of these perspectives offers important insights into the evolution of international relations. This book focuses on major issues in international relations theory. It should be of interest to students of comparative politics, international politics, and international conflict. Zeev Maoz is a Professor of Political Science, University of Tel Aviv, and head of the Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies.