This book examines almost two decades of research using the structural or network approach to political behaviour. Network analysis begins with the assumption that the most important elements of political power are the relationships of influence and domination among social actors. Influence is exchange of information about preferences and intentions; domination is the exchange of material sanctions to reward or punish compliance with commands. By examining the confluence of these two networks, analysts can develop a structural picture of the political process.

‘Knoke displays a gift for efficient summary and judicious characterization, and he knows the territory … The book is a natural addition to graduate or advanced undergraduate politics syllabi and will be useful for introducing network analysis in organizations classes … there is no better introduction.’

Paul DiMaggio Source: Administrative Science Quarterly

‘Knoke’s book fills an important gap in the political science literature by presenting the network concept as part of a coherent theoretical perspective … Knoke’s work is highly readable and the relevant fundamentals of network methodology are included in a short appendix … [this] book deserves a wide audience among theoretically oriented political scientists.’

Source: American Political Science Review