Power concentration and power diffusion: a new typology of political-institutional patterns of democracy
Publisher DOI
Abstract
Let’s face it: for years (Bernauer & Vatter, 2012, 2017, 2019; Vatter & Bernauer, 2009; Vatter et al., 2014), we have attempted not to cite Lijphart (1984, 2012 [1999]) too exclusively in our research, mainly failing heroically. So, why not fully acknowledge that our ‘Theory of Power Diffusion’ would simply not exist without especially his Patterns of Democracy book, both in its 1999 and the updated 2012 version. Of course, we have always acknowledged this influence. Furthermore, we have considered other work (e.g., Ganghof, 2005, 2012; Gerring & Thacker, 2008; Roller, 2005; Steiner, 2012; Taagepera, 2003), also inspiring some theoretical and empirical amendments. But the main inspirational credit must be given to Arend Lijphart.
This – arguably in good parts justified – high level of attention to Lijphart’s approach does not give full justice to some recent theoretical and empirical developments, many of them assembled in this book. In this contribution, we present our ‘Theory of Power Diffusion’, show it at work using an updated database now covering an updated time period (1990–2022), and sketch potential avenues for further research in the light of the literature.
This – arguably in good parts justified – high level of attention to Lijphart’s approach does not give full justice to some recent theoretical and empirical developments, many of them assembled in this book. In this contribution, we present our ‘Theory of Power Diffusion’, show it at work using an updated database now covering an updated time period (1990–2022), and sketch potential avenues for further research in the light of the literature.
Date Issued
2024-10-22
Publication Type
Book Section
Subjects
Democracy
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Power diffusion
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Power concentration
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Political institutions
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Typology
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Publisher
Edward Elgar Publishing
ISBN
9781803929095
Access(Rights)
open.access