Exploring Conflict Escalation: Power Imbalance, Alliances, Diplomacy, Media, and Big Data in a Multipolar World

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The reviewed study examines the role of power imbalances, alliance cohesion, diplomatic efforts, media framing and big data analytics in conflict escalation in a multipolar global landscape.

Methodologically, the authors' choice of structural equation modelling (SEM) and SMART-PLS to collect quantitative data from international relations experts, legislators, academics and analysts is commendable.

This has allowed them to formulate five hypotheses using theoretical frameworks from international relations and communication studies. The results seem satisfactory and provide material for future research. The most interesting part concerns the positive relationship between power imbalances and media framing, as well as an inverse relationship between alliance coherence, diplomatic intensity and big data analysis and conflict escalation. The distinctive feature of the study is its integrated approach, which analyses the complex interaction of many variables that drive conflict escalation. This study adds to the body of academic knowledge and has significant implications for conflict management and preventive policy makers. However, the study acknowledges its limitations in terms of self-reported data 16 and suggests further research on additional environmental and cultural aspects. Overall, the study 17 advances our understanding of the factors that contribute to conflict escalation, while providing 18 practical recommendations for conflict resolution and global stability.

For these reasons, it is proposed that the paper be adopted in its present form.

Author Response

Dear Editor,

Subject: Response to Reviewers' Comments for Manuscript Submission

 

I am pleased to submit our review and comment response for the article titled " Exploring Conflict Escalation: Power Imbalance, Alliances, Diplomacy, Media, and Big Data in a Multipolar World" This article explores the intricate interplay of key geopolitical factors influencing conflict escalation and resolution, using empirical data and structured equation modeling to derive critical insights for policymakers and international relations scholars.

The primary objective of this study is to examine how power imbalance, alliance cohesion, diplomatic engagement, media framing, and big data analytics collectively impact the likelihood of conflict escalation in a multipolar global environment. Our research integrates theoretical perspectives from International Relations, Media Studies, and Data Analytics, employing a rigorous methodology to test the validity of these interactions using survey data and advanced modeling techniques. The findings offer valuable recommendations for strengthening diplomatic strategies, regulating media narratives, and leveraging big data analytics to mitigate global conflict risks.

This manuscript was initially submitted for review and comment, and we have carefully considered the constructive feedback provided by the reviewers. Based on their recommendations, we have made the following key revisions:

• Refining the discussion on the impact of media framing and power imbalances in conflict escalation.
• Enhancing the methodological explanation for improved clarity and transparency in data analysis.
• Strengthening the theoretical framework by incorporating additional relevant literature.
• Providing deeper insights into the implications of big data analytics in predicting and preventing conflicts.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

The topic discussed seems to me to be very important and very timely. 

However, from my point of view, it should be better developed perhaps by providing and discussing some real and concrete cases that allow to test the hypothesis and research results. 

The article talks about conflicts at a time when, among others, the Russian-Ukrainian war and the Israeli-Palestinian war (again) represent a painful wound in the contemporary world. 

I understand that the approach and methodology of the research proposed here follow a different perspective but I believe that precisely, especially given the historical moment, an analysis also dropped on the case study can really add something new. At present, in fact, it does not seem to me that the results of the study "A number of interesting facts were revealed by the hypotheses testing results. According to, power disparities were found to be positively associated with conflict escalation tendencies Conflict escalation was significantly inversely connected to strong alliance coherence, supporting Walt's claims (1987). Increased diplomatic activity proved effective in preventing conflict escalation. Big data analytics showed a negative link with conflict escalation, correlating but media framing had a strong positive influence on conflict escalation" (p. 9-10) add particularly innovative perspectives of analysis. 

 

Author Response

Dear Editor,

Subject: Response to Reviewers' Comments for Manuscript Submission

 

I am pleased to submit our review and comment response for the article titled " Exploring Conflict Escalation: Power Imbalance, Alliances, Diplomacy, Media, and Big Data in a Multipolar World" This article explores the intricate interplay of key geopolitical factors influencing conflict escalation and resolution, using empirical data and structured equation modeling to derive critical insights for policymakers and international relations scholars.

The primary objective of this study is to examine how power imbalance, alliance cohesion, diplomatic engagement, media framing, and big data analytics collectively impact the likelihood of conflict escalation in a multipolar global environment. Our research integrates theoretical perspectives from International Relations, Media Studies, and Data Analytics, employing a rigorous methodology to test the validity of these interactions using survey data and advanced modeling techniques. The findings offer valuable recommendations for strengthening diplomatic strategies, regulating media narratives, and leveraging big data analytics to mitigate global conflict risks.

This manuscript was initially submitted for review and comment, and we have carefully considered the constructive feedback provided by the reviewers. Based on their recommendations, we have made the following key revisions:

• Refining the discussion on the impact of media framing and power imbalances in conflict escalation.
• Enhancing the methodological explanation for improved clarity and transparency in data analysis.
• Strengthening the theoretical framework by incorporating additional relevant literature.
• Providing deeper insights into the implications of big data analytics in predicting and preventing conflicts.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

1. The title is too bogus and contains too many variables with up to 25 words. Reduce to a maximum of 18 words. 

2. The abstract does not contain the necessary ingredients required for an abstract to be complete. Include: a brief introduction; main objective; framework, if any; methodology, including the design, population, sample size, sampling technique, and data collection instrument; major finding; conclusion and recommendation.

3.  The citations are too inundated. it is not proper to have too many citations in one sentence. use the most recent two.  

4. The problem was not stated

5. The objectives were not clearly stated

6. The introduction did not lay a strong background to the study. It did not give a little overview of each variable contained in the title to establish a connection and linkage between all the variables in order to form a research problem. 

7. The methodology was not clearly stated. 

8. No section discussed the findings of the study. 

9. Other details can be found in the attached document. 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Dear Editor,

Subject: Response to Reviewers' Comments for Manuscript Submission

 

I am pleased to submit our review and comment response for the article titled " Exploring Conflict Escalation: Power Imbalance, Alliances, Diplomacy, Media, and Big Data in a Multipolar World" This article explores the intricate interplay of key geopolitical factors influencing conflict escalation and resolution, using empirical data and structured equation modeling to derive critical insights for policymakers and international relations scholars.

The primary objective of this study is to examine how power imbalance, alliance cohesion, diplomatic engagement, media framing, and big data analytics collectively impact the likelihood of conflict escalation in a multipolar global environment. Our research integrates theoretical perspectives from International Relations, Media Studies, and Data Analytics, employing a rigorous methodology to test the validity of these interactions using survey data and advanced modeling techniques. The findings offer valuable recommendations for strengthening diplomatic strategies, regulating media narratives, and leveraging big data analytics to mitigate global conflict risks.

This manuscript was initially submitted for review and comment, and we have carefully considered the constructive feedback provided by the reviewers. Based on their recommendations, we have made the following key revisions:

• Refining the discussion on the impact of media framing and power imbalances in conflict escalation.
• Enhancing the methodological explanation for improved clarity and transparency in data analysis.
• Strengthening the theoretical framework by incorporating additional relevant literature.
• Providing deeper insights into the implications of big data analytics in predicting and preventing conflicts.

 

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I greatly appreciate the revision work done by the authors. It is clear that they have put significant effort into reviewing the structure and improving the argumentation to make the text more solid and coherent.

In my opinion, the section on the study's limitations should be explained in more detail rather than just briefly mentioned. I understand that including a specific case study in this research might have been challenging—although I still believe it could have been useful as an initial attempt to validate the results. However, what I find less convincing in this case is the following statement: "a varied geopolitical area and embody qualitative expert interviews to confirm findings" (p. 11).
What does "varied" refer to? What are the selection criteria?

Additionally, it could be helpful to better explain the choice of applying Survey Structured Equation Modelling (SEM) via SMART PLS as the analytical methodology, briefly clarifying what it entails.

Finally, I do not understand the two colons before "The measurement model includes:" (point 5), as there is a table that follows, but no additional text.

Author Response

Response to Reviewers; Comments for Manuscript Submission

 

I am pleased to submit the revised version of my manuscript, Exploring Conflict Escalation: Power Imbalance, Alliances, Diplomacy, Media, and Big Data in a Multipolar World, for consideration in Journalism and Media. The article examines the complex interplay of key geopolitical factors influencing conflict escalation and resolution, integrating perspectives from International Relations, Media Studies, and Data Analytics. By employing structured equation modelling (SEM) via SMART-PLS and utilizing empirical data, the study offers critical insights for policymakers and international relations scholars. The primary objective of this study is to analyze how power imbalance, alliance cohesion, diplomatic engagement, media framing, and big data analytics collectively influence conflict escalation in a multipolar global environment.

I sincerely appreciate the reviewers’ insightful feedback, which has significantly contributed to improving the manuscript. In response, I have made the following key revisions:

• Expanded discussion on study limitations to provide a clearer understanding of the research scope.
• Refined criteria for defining a “varied geopolitical area” to enhance conceptual clarity.
• Justification for using SEM via SMART-PLS, detailing its applicability and advantages for this study.
• Improved methodological explanations, particularly in the areas of stratified random sampling and survey instrument descriptions.
• Strengthened theoretical framework by incorporating additional relevant literature.
• Correction of formatting inconsistencies and typographical errors to improve readability and coherence.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Corrections effected.

Comments on the Quality of English Language

The quality of the English language is good.

Author Response

Response to Reviewers; Comments for Manuscript Submission

 

I am pleased to submit the revised version of my manuscript, Exploring Conflict Escalation: Power Imbalance, Alliances, Diplomacy, Media, and Big Data in a Multipolar World, for consideration in Journalism and Media. The article examines the complex interplay of key geopolitical factors influencing conflict escalation and resolution, integrating perspectives from International Relations, Media Studies, and Data Analytics. By employing structured equation modelling (SEM) via SMART-PLS and utilizing empirical data, the study offers critical insights for policymakers and international relations scholars. The primary objective of this study is to analyze how power imbalance, alliance cohesion, diplomatic engagement, media framing, and big data analytics collectively influence conflict escalation in a multipolar global environment.

I sincerely appreciate the reviewers’ insightful feedback, which has significantly contributed to improving the manuscript. In response, I have made the following key revisions:

• Expanded discussion on study limitations to provide a clearer understanding of the research scope.
• Refined criteria for defining a “varied geopolitical area” to enhance conceptual clarity.
• Justification for using SEM via SMART-PLS, detailing its applicability and advantages for this study.
• Improved methodological explanations, particularly in the areas of stratified random sampling and survey instrument descriptions.
• Strengthened theoretical framework by incorporating additional relevant literature.
• Correction of formatting inconsistencies and typographical errors to improve readability and coherence.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf