Interstate metrics: Conceptualizing, operationalizing, and measuring the geographic proximity of states since the congress of Vienna

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Abstract
This article introduces and describes data on the geographic proximity of states (i.e., countries) during the 150‐year period from the Congress of Vienna through 1965. The 144 countries that are members of the interstate system during those years are coded as being noncontiguous, contiguous by land, or within 6, 24, or 150 miles by water from all other states in the system. Descriptive information is provided concerning the distribution of proximate states within the interstate system as a whole, within its various regional subsystems, by historical period, and with respect to the dominating states (i.e., major powers) in the system. In addition, several conceptual issues concerning the definition of “geographic proximity” are discussed, and the author speculates about empirical associations that are likely to exist between geographic proximity and interstate interactions. In concluding, the author outlines a few ways in which geographic proximity data might be used to contribute to an understanding of national behavior and interstate interaction.

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