Rick Travis

A Three-Dimensional Model of American Foreign Policy Beliefs

The authors employ a theoretic model that identifies three basic goals of foreign policy—identity, security, and prosperity. Many scholars limit themselves by using a two-dimensional model of foreign policy beliefs which ignores the goal of identity. This research note demonstrates that standard factor analysis of extant data on foreign policy goals over time consistently supports a three-dimensional model which gives prominence to the multilateral—unilateral dimension of identity. The research also shows that this three-dimensional model is superior to one- or two-dimensional models in providing explanation and prediction of more specific foreign policy stances.

Privatization In State Agencies A Focus on Clean Water

This article examines the question of why state governments choose to privatize goods and services. After reviewing the literature, to explore the question, the authors devised their own model of state privatization. Although the existing literature describes in great detail the benefits and disadvantages of privatization at all levels of government, it does not address why governments privatize. Using the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program, the authors test their model of privatization use by state government using political, economic, and administrative variables. They find support for political and cultural influences and state economic conditions as explanations for why privatization is chosen as an option by state governments.

Aid for arms: The impact of superpower economic assistance on military spending in Sub‐Saharan Africa

This study examines the relationship between superpower economic assistance and military allocations in 25 countries of Sub‐Saharan Africa during the period 1977–1984. Using pooled time‐series regression analysis, we find that African recipients do not treat U.S. aid as fungible. Soviet economic aid, however, is found to have a positive effect on the recipients military spending.