Co-Evolution and Spatial Diffusion

Abstract

Abstract This chapter covers the key concepts of co-evolution and spatial diffusion. It looks into how the industrialization transition affects other peace factors shown to affect conflict levels among states. The chapter considers whether the neighborhood in which a state is located influences and conditions state values on peace variables or spatial interdependence. The potential for industrialization to diffuse to other local actors at high rates enables a stronger explanation and prediction of the neighborhoods most prone to adopt peaceful relations. Since the peace factor is fostered by industrialization, the effects of industrialization on peace are likely conditional on neighborhood levels of industrialization.