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Institutions, Path Dependence, and Democratic Consolidation

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  • Gerard Alexander

    (University of Virginia, galexander@virginia.edu)

Abstract

Formal political institutions have been assigned two roles in democratization theorizing: as contingent effects of strategic interaction and as predictable bases for democratic consolidation. These roles might be reconciled if we assume that institutions become persistent once in place. But patterns of behavior surrounding these institutions do not appear to conform to the expectations of path dependency or comparable frameworks: while unchallenged in some cases, these institutions are repeatedly contested and often enough revised in others. This is true even of ‘low stakes’ institutional designs. Consequently, groups often perceive institutional designs not as ‘locked in’ and instead as malleable over even a few years. Codified political institutions therefore appear unable to generate the reduced risks - in effect, the credible commitments - which Adam Przeworski’s argument about democratic consolidation requires. This conclusion suggests that consolidation may result from reductions in political risks caused by non-institutional factors. It also has implications for diverse arguments which assume stability or predictability in formal institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Gerard Alexander, 2001. "Institutions, Path Dependence, and Democratic Consolidation," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 13(3), pages 249-269, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jothpo:v:13:y:2001:i:3:p:249-269
    DOI: 10.1177/095169280101300302
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carles Boix, 1999. "Setting the rules of the game: The choice of electoral systems in advanced democracies," Economics Working Papers 367, Department of Economics and Business, Universitat Pompeu Fabra.
    2. Boix, Carles, 1999. "Setting the Rules of the Game: The Choice of Electoral Systems in Advanced Democracies," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 93(3), pages 609-624, September.
    3. Bawn, Kathleen, 1999. "Voter Responses to Electoral Complexity: Ticket Splitting, Rational Voters and Representation in the Federal Republic of Germany," British Journal of Political Science, Cambridge University Press, vol. 29(3), pages 487-505, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Erdmann, Gero & Elischer, Sebastian & Stroh, Alexander, 2011. "Can Historical Institutionalism be Applied to Political Regime Development in Africa?," GIGA Working Papers 166, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    2. Islam Jusufi, 2018. "Aid and its impact on domestic change: The case of police reforms in Macedonia," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(6), pages 743-758, October.
    3. Stroh, Alexander & Elischer, Sebastian & Erdmann, Gero, 2012. "Origins and Outcomes of Electoral Institutions in African Hybrid Regimes: A Comparative Perspective," GIGA Working Papers 197, GIGA German Institute of Global and Area Studies.
    4. Ron Martin, 2010. "Roepke Lecture in Economic Geography—Rethinking Regional Path Dependence: Beyond Lock-in to Evolution," Economic Geography, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 86(1), pages 1-27, January.

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