Who talks to whom? Using social network models to understand debate networks in the European Parliament. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walter, Stefanie; Kinski, Lucy; Boda, Zsófia
• Is Part Of: European Union politics. Volume 24:Number 2(2023)
• Page Start: 410
• Page End: 423
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: European Parliament -- network analysis -- parliamentary debate -- text analysis; European Union countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 320.9405
• DOI: 10.1177/14651165221137994
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-1165

Abstract

Research into parliamentary speech making–behaviour of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) usually takes a static perspective. We offer an interactive and dynamic approach that understands parliamentary debates as a relational network phenomenon and investigates MEPs' debate interactions. This allows us to uncover dynamics of inclusiveness and pluralism, self-reinforcing power relationships and transnational policy alliances. Analyzing 11, 408 debate interactions between MEPs using a combination of text and dynamic network analysis, we find that male, senior and influential parliamentarians from powerful member states receive more attention with evidence for a self-reinforcing effect over time. Interestingly, seniority matters more for debate attention than leadership positions. Sharing the same nationality and a similar political leaning also shape debate coalitions with the former being more important than the latter.