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Is there an institutional theory of comparative politics? Can there be?

In: Handbook of Comparative Political Institutions

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  • B. Guy Peters

Abstract

Having worked in comparative politics for some 50 years, B. Guy Peters has witnessed several ‘grand’ theories of comparative political life (e.g., structural functionalism, systems theory, behaviouralism). Drawing on the theoretical, methodological, and empirical advances presented in this volume, he reflects in his ‘carte blanche’ on the requirements of a comprehensive institutional theory of comparative politics. What would it have to do to be successful? Would it have to provide an explanation for all observed behaviour in comparative politics, or would a more limited goal be acceptable? The author identifies six crucial phenomena that a comprehensive theory of comparative politics would have to account for, namely, political stability, political change, elite selection and representation, government formation, policy choices, and individual behaviour. The chapter concludes by demonstrating the potential of such a ‘grand’ institutional theory, arguing that it has at least some explanatory capacity for all the basic questions facing comparative politics.

Suggested Citation

  • B. Guy Peters, 2024. "Is there an institutional theory of comparative politics? Can there be?," Chapters, in: Adrian Vatter & Rahel Freiburghaus (ed.), Handbook of Comparative Political Institutions, chapter 31, pages 501-513, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    • Handle: RePEc:elg:eechap:21846_31
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    Keywords

    Politics and Public Policy;

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