A Statistical Analysis of the Factors That Influence US Foreign Policy

Abstract

This thesis attempts to identify statistically the effect of economic linkages on US foreign policy. It does so by drawing upon the Cablegate data set of leaked diplomatic cables from Wikileaks. In addition, the thesis uses various other data sources, such as foreign trade from the US Census Bureau. The primary statistical technique used is regression, in an attempt to determine the significance of these various economic factors on the level of diplomatic activity between the US and other countries. This thesis also studies the differential response of US diplomats to terrorist attacks depending on country the attack occurred in and the influence of changes in oil production on US diplomatic communications.