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