STRUCTURAL DETERMINANTS OF INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM: THE EFFECTS OF HEGEMONY AND POLARITY ON TERRORIST ACTIVITY.

This research focuses on a relatively unique approach to the study of international terrorism: systemic explanations of terrorist activity. Using the post-1945 world of international politics, the research explores the extent to which fluctuations in hegemonic capabilities, acceptance of hegemonic leadership, bipolar conflict, bipolar balance, and contagion effects can account for variation in international terrorist activity. Five hypotheses are tested, using five different measures of the dependent variable The results consistently underscore the importance of systemic approaches, and especially that of the diminution of hegemonic capabilities, as salient contextual considerations for a comprehensive explanation of international terrorism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]