The study of networks in world politics has been dominated by thin network analysis, a methodological approach that combines the descriptive tools of network analysis with conventional techniques of quantitative research to arrive at descriptive and causal inferences about the formation, evolution, and effects of international networks. This approach is characterized by several limitations of varying severity, including the tendency to neglect the importance of network mechanisms and causal complexity, tensions between the basic assumptions that undergird both network methods and statistical analysis, as well as the use of canonical international relations data sets which dramatically narrows down the range of possible research questions. In order to address these challenges, I propose an alternative methodological framework which builds on an integration of network analytical tools and various techniques of qualitative research--most importantly process-tracing--which I suggest labelling thick network analysis. The paper outlines the basic elements of this thick approach to the study of international networks and discusses how it can help alleviate some of the challenges experienced by its thin counterpart.
