Seite - (000108) - in Knowledge and Networks

100 not easily identifiable by other means. So the answer is partly yes: Network analy- sis, like any other technique, is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It is able to produce unexpected discoveries in geopolitical research. From a geopolitical perspective network analysis seems a useful tool with which to investigate regionalization processes, for these processes reinforce links—either cooperative or conflicting—between several types of actors. If the UNGA com- prises mainly states and groups, then several other forums, notably the major UN-organized conferences, involve very different actors (e.g., firms, NGOs, experts), and a network approach would be helpful to improve the understanding of contemporary dynamics in world governance. If geography matters, it is primarily because spatial proximity appears to favor cooperation. Furthermore, patterns of relations create political regions of like-minded actors, and discontinuities are likely to appear between these regions. For instance, a recent study on human rights issues have revealed the gap between Europe, Africa, and the Middle East (Beauguitte, 2012). Network analysis is ultimately a powerful way to communicate results, although the readability of graphs needs improving (Bahoken, Beauguitte, & Lhomme, 2013; Henry, Fekete, & McGuffin, 2007). Last but not least, network analysis also repre- sents an excellent way to cross disciplinary boundaries and encourage discussion among researchers. References Bahoken, F., Beauguitte, L., & Lhomme, S. (2013). La visualisation des réseaux. Principes, enjeux et perspectives [The visualization of networks: Principles, stakes and perspectives]. Groupe f.m.r. working paper. Retrieved from http://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/83/99/05/PDF/ fmr18_visualisation.pdf Ball, M. (1951). Bloc Voting in the General Assembly. International Organization, 5, 3–31. doi:10.1017/S0020818300029805 Barnett, M., & Duvall, R. (Eds.). (2005). Power in global governance. Cambridge, UK: University Press. Barthelemy, M. (2011). Spatial networks. Physics Report, 499, 1–101. doi:10.1016/j. physrep.2010.11.002 Beauguitte, L. (2011). L’Assemblée générale de l’ONU de 1985 à nos jours. Essai de géographie politique quantitative [United Nations General Assembly of 1985 in our days: Essay on quan- titative political geography] (Doctoral dissertation, University of Paris 7). Retrieved from http://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/63/44/03/PDF/These_Beauguitte_2011_ONU_et_ Systeme_Monde.pdf Beauguitte, L. (2012). L’ONU contre la peine de mort. La puissance normative de l’UE en ques- tion [The UN against the death penalty. The question of the normative power of the EU]. L’Espace politique [online], 18. doi:10.4000/espacepolitique.2432 Charter of the United Nations. (1945). http://www.un.org/en/sections/un-charter/un-charter-full- text/index.html Chen, Z. (2005). NATO, APEC, and ASEM: Triadic interregionalism and global order. Asia Europe Journal, 3, 361–378. doi:10.1007/s10308-005-0005-7 Comin, M. N. (2009). Réseaux de villes et réseaux d’innovation en Europe: structuration du sys- tème des villes européennes par les réseaux de recherche sur les technologies convergentes [Networks of cities and networks of innovation in Europe: The structuring of the European L. Beauguitte