A social network analysis of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo

Abstract

This thesis combines social network analysis (SNA) with historical case studies and political science research to examine elite Chinese politics in the Chinese Communist Partys Politburo. Specifically, I develop models of the group dynamics based on academic theories using SNA methodologies. These academic theories are founded on analysis of the role of group dynamics within the Politburopolitical factionalism, individual ideology, and institutionalismand they assess how these dynamics are useful in explaining Politburo behavior. After developing models of the theories, I created an SNA observation of the current Politburo and then compared that network with these models in order to test which theory provides the best explanation or closest fit. My analysis suggests that a combination of institutionalism and personal ideology, as exemplified by the core leader dynamic, best explains current Politburo behavior.