Therefore we maintain through the
paper, that exponential random graph models (ERGMs) (Lusher, Koskinen, &
Robins, 2012; Jackson, 2008; Wasserman & Faust, 1994) is suitable
metatheoretical framework that capable to incorporate findings of competing
theories and give heuristic opportunity to reconsider them as supplementing
rather than mutually excluding[3].
This paper, thus, contributes to the discussion about contentions and
controversies between local and global integration of civic organizations by
reformulating ideas of advocates and critics into ERG hypotheses, and testing
them on the data on collaboration and “friendship” (see below) among 221
Kazakhstani NGOs.