Berkemeier, Molly Louisa (2019-05). Relationships Matter: The Role of Leaders in Nuclear Cooperation, Extended Deterrence, and Alliance Formation. Doctoral Dissertation.
Thesis
How do relationships between leaders influence world politics? I argue that shared identity between leaders makes cooperation more likely by increasing interpersonal trust. Leaders who share more similar social identities are more likely to trust each other, while leaders who have divergent social identities find it more difficult to trust. I test this theory in the three contexts of nuclear cooperation agreements, nuclear proliferation under extended deterrence, and alliance formation. I use data on nuclear cooperation agreements, nuclear pursuit, alliances, and leader background characteristics in the period from 1840-2002. Statistical analysis shows that leaders who share similar social identities are more likely to engage in nuclear cooperation, less likely to pursue independent nuclear acquisition under extended deterrence, and more likely to form alliances with one another, indicating that shared background experiences contribute to leaders trusting one another. This study provides evidence that interpersonal relationships among leaders shape international relations in three important contexts, thereby contributing to our understanding of how leaders matter in world politics.
