Modeling and Simulation for Analyzing Global Events (eBook)

JOHN A. SOKOLOWSKI, PhD, is Research Professor and Director of Research at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center at Old Dominion University. He has written numerous journal articles on the use of modeling and simulation techniques in the fields of engineering, computer science, and human behavior representation. Dr. Sokolowski is the coeditor of Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach, also published by Wiley. CATHERINE M. BANKS, PhD, is Research Assistant Professor at the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center at Old Dominion University. She currently focuses her research on modeling states and their varied histories of revolution and insurgency; political economy and state volatility; and climate change and population dynamics. Dr. Banks is the coeditor of Principles of Modeling and Simulation: A Multidisciplinary Approach, also published by Wiley.

Preface.

I PRINCIPLES OF MODELING AND SIMULATION: ADVANCING GLOBAL
STUDIES.

1 Modeling and Simulation: What, When, and Why.

Introduction.

An Overview of Modeling and Simulation.

A Brief History of Modeling and Simulation.

Why Use Modeling and Simulation.

Conclusions.

Key Terms.

References.

Further Reading.

2 Research Methodologies for Modeling Global Events.

Introduction.

Global Events and the Social Sciences.

Qualitative and Quantitative Research.

Modeling and Simulation of Global Events.

Mapping Data: A Suggested Methodology.

Model Validation.

Conclusions.

Key Terms.

References.

II MODELING PARADIGMS.

3 System Dynamics.

Introduction.

Dynamic System Behavior.

Building Blocks of System Dynamics Models.

Conclusions.

Key Terms.

References.

4 Agent-Based Modeling and Social Networks.

Introduction.

Agent-Based Models: Description and Definition.

Social Networks.

Building an Agent-Based Model.

Conclusions.

Key Terms.

References.

5 Game Theory.

Introduction.

Fundamentals of Game Theory.

Types of Games.

Conclusions.

Key Terms.

References.

III MODELING GLOBAL EVENTS.

6 Case Study: Colombia--A Country Study on
Insurgency.

Introduction.

Developing the Research Question and Methodology.

Background: Qualitative Research.

Mapping Qualitative to Quantitative.

System Dynamics.

Responding to the Research Question.

Key Terms.

References.

Case Study Bibliography.

7 Case Study: The Polish Solidarity Movement--Laying the
Foundation for the Collapse of Soviet Communism.

Introduction.

Developing the Research Question and Methodology.

Background: Qualitative Research.

Measuring Agents and Environments: Stimuli and Actions.

Modeling Human Behavior with Agents.

Responding to the Research Question.

Conclusions.

Key Terms.

References.

Case Study Bibliography.

8 Case Study: Vietnam--Johnson's War,
1963-1965.

Introduction.

Developing the Research Question and Methodology.

Background: Qualitative Research.

Analyzing the Social Network Structures.

Social Network Aspects of Human Behavior Modeling.

Agent-Based Model Development.

Responding to the Research Question.

Key Terms.

References.

Case Study Bibliography.

9 Case Study: Cuban Missile Crisis--A National Security
Emergency.

Introduction.

Developing the Research Question and Methodology.

Background: Qualitative Research.

Evaluating Behaviors.

Game Theory.

Responding to the Research Question.

Key Terms.

References.

Case Study Bibliography.

Index.