No.2, 2025

 

Dong Zuozhuang

 

Social network analysis has become a prevalent social science methodology thanks to its ability to handle networked relations. Since its introduction into the international relations area, the methodology has been applied to the analysis of transnational interpersonal networks and international relational networks, as well as the construction of network theories. Based on graph theory, social network analysis acts both as an analytical tool to measure socialized relations and provide empirical relational data that can be integrated with other methods, and as a theoretical lens for investigating the relational dimension of power. However, due to restricted conditions and limitations, social network analysis is not applicable to all types of networked relations and highlights the varying understandings of “relations” between the Eastern and Western scholars. In addition, the operating mechanisms of social power remain to be further revealed.