Table 2

Table 2 shows the Reuters stories converted to WEIS events. Event data analysis relies on a large number of events to produce meaningful patterns of interaction. The information provided by any single event is very limited; single events are also affected by erroneous reports and coding errors.   However, important events trigger other interactions throughout the system. For example while Iraq's invasion of Kuwait by itself generates only a single event with WEIS code 223--military force--the invasion triggers an avalanche of additional activity throughout the international system as states and international organizations denounce, approve or comment, so the crisis is very prominent in the event record.

Table 2: WEIS Coding of 1990 Iraq-Kuwait Crisis

Date             Source           Target         WEIS Code     Type of Action

900717 IRQ KUW 121 CHARGE
900717 IRQ UAE 121 CHARGE
900723 IRQ KUW 122 DENOUNCE
900724 IRQ ARB 150 DEMAND
900724 IRQ OPC 150 DEMAND
900725 IRQ EGY 054 ASSURE
900727 IRQ KUW 160 WARN
900731 IRQ KUW 182 MOBILIZATION
900801 KUW IRQ 112 REFUSE
900802 IRQ KUW 223 MILITARY FORCE