DOMESTIC STRUCTURES AND THE DIVERSIONARY USE OF FORCE

Theory: This paper reformulates diversionary theory to take into account the effect of domestic structures on the propensity of leaders to use foreign policy to manipulate domestic politics. Hypotheses: The structure of domestic political institutions and levels of policy resources condition the willingness of leaders to use conflict involvement to manipulate domestic audiences. Method: Probit analysis of 294 militarized interstate disputes during the period from 1955 to 1976. Results: Domestic structures have a significant effect on the propensity of leaders to use foreign policy as a vehicle of their personal political ambitions.