ABSTRACT
Chapter 2 develops the model of alliance formation used by this research. The model is based on the concept of state goals. A model is more limited (and surely less ambitious) than a theory. A model seeks to explain a more specific set of relations or incidences, and as such it needs to be complemented with specific information regarding the case or cases analysed. This chapter is therefore divided into two sections. The first section builds the theoretical model by analysing how the international and domestic dimensions shape state goals. State goals are then used to explain how alliances are formed. The second section integrates the theoretical assumptions with an analysis of the systemic and domestic dimensions in the case of the case study, Syria and its alliances.
