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During the last 10 years, 2 different approaches to automatic content analysis have been developed. The 1st makes use of a theory about the meaning of words, as formulated in "dictionaries." The best example of such a program is the "General Inquirer." In the 2nd procedure, no assumptions are made about the meaning of the words, but an attempt is made to discover the content of a text by analyzing the co-occurrence of the words. Both procedures have been illustrated with RIQS, a retrieval program, which is available in the Netherlands. RIQS cannot be used for the dictionary procedure, because of the limits of the dictionaries; however RIQS can be used for the other procedures because the files produced by RIQS are written as SPSS-files, so that several types of analysis procedures can be used. Some important developments over the last years are mentioned: "disambiguation," validation of dictionaries, more flexible versions of the General Inquirer, dictionaries for non-English languages, & new computer programs for automatic content analysis. 7 Tables. HA Tr & Modified by I. Verluyten.

A theoretical analysis of the problem of conflict between states or alliances, founded on the Nash theory of bargaining & cooperative games (Nash, J. F., "The Bargaining Problem," Econometrica, 1950, 18, 155-162). Assumptions that must be met to make the use of this theory possible are elucidated. Given these assumptions, precise meanings can be given to such concepts as "dominance" & "strategic equilibrium." Such game-theoretical understanding provides an alternative to warfare as a means of gaining knowledge of relative military strength, thus making unnecessary the Clausewitzian process of repeated warfare. A two-step process -- a stage of strategic rivalry, & a cooperative phase -- leads to attainment of an ideal final agreement for both sides. An application to the global East/West matrix from 1970 to 1987 is presented, & means of applying game-theoretical methods realistically to international relations are proposed. 7 Tables, 3 Figures. Modified HA

A seminar comparing bachelor's & master's programs in politology (political science) offered by universities in the Netherlands & Flanders, Belgium. Peter Bursens (U of Antwerp) & Eelke Heemskerk (U of Amsterdam) introduce the topic & present participants, recognizing their qualifications to speak on the subject. Kris Deschouwer (Free U of Brussels) identifies the differences & parallels in politological education offered at Dutch & Flemish institutions; he stresses the similarities in program content, teaching materials, & focus on research, while noting differences in organization & cultural context. Peter Van Aelst (U of Leiden) discusses the quality of political science programs & rebuts views that students do not receive quality education because their professors are more preoccupied with publication of research papers than teaching. Sophie Vanhoonacker & Maarten Vink (U of Maastricht) present the English-language bachelor's & master's programs in European Studies offered since 2002 & 2006, respectively, at the U of Maastricht; quantitative data comparing enrollment by German & Dutch students are tabulated, graduates' prospects of employment are assessed, & the use of English as an instruction language is discussed. In their conclusion, Peter Bursens (U of Antwerp) & Eelke Heemskerk (U of Amsterdam) summarize & comment on the contributions delivered at this seminar. Z. Dubiel

The history of Surinam's economy & class development is analyzed, providing the basis for explanation of how privileged & nonprivileged classes were determined. Racial characteristics & class position are closely related. An attempt is made to demonstrate in which ways class & race have affected the development of political parties after WWII. The creation of political parties can be considered the reaction of different racial elites to the necessity of democratically legitimizing their power. Until now elites have been able to preserve an advantageous position in influencing basic policy decisions within their parties. Elites govern by means of informal compromises & coalitions, which constitutes a threat to the stability of the system. Surinam, on the verge of independence, awaits a long period of political instability & faces the possibility of external interference. 1 Table. Modified HA.