Date of Award

9-5-2024

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Political Science

First Advisor

Molly Melin

Abstract

Open skies and deregulated airspace facilitate the seamless global transportation of people and property across borders. The closure of airspace to a particular country negatively impacts both the sender and target. The sender faces reduced revenue from loss of overflight fees and associated airline costs, while a target must reroute, increasing travel time and fuel requirements for the flight. Despite the substantial costs involved, airspace closures still occur. Using a three-case study analysis, this dissertation explores the factors that drive a country to close its airspace, as well as those that shape a target’s behavior when confronted with a closure. This research has implications for scholars seeking to understand non-violent conflict and policymakers seeking to understand when and why states leverage airspace as a foreign policy tool.

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