The study of critical junctures¶
Capoccia, G., & Kelemen, R. D. (2007). The study of critical junctures: Theory, narrative, and counterfactuals in historical institutionalism. World Politics, 59(3), 341-369.
Cited by¶
4 citations across 4 artifacts.
Each citation links to the sentence it supports in the citing article.
Primes¶
- Critical Juncture
- A critical juncture is a moment in time where outcomes depend sensitively on the specific choice made—small variations produce divergent paths that then become difficult or impossible to reverse, as Capoccia and Kelemen (2007) define the concept in historical institutionalism.
This sourceFoundational synthesis defining critical junctures as relatively short periods of heightened contingency in which agency/choice produces institutional outcomes that subsequently constrain development; directly supports the core definition.
Supported in partVerified against the publisher's abstract
The abstract states contingency is the key characteristic of critical junctures and that choices there close off alternatives into self-reinforcing path dependence; it does not state the 'small variations' clause.
“The causal logic behind many arguments in historical institutionalism emphasizes the enduring impact of choices made during critical junctures in history. These choices close off alternative options and lead to the establishment of institutions that generate self-reinforcing path-dependent processes.”
- A critical juncture is a moment in time where outcomes depend sensitively on the specific choice made—small variations produce divergent paths that then become difficult or impossible to reverse, as Capoccia and Kelemen (2007) define the concept in historical institutionalism.
- Path Dependence
- The identification problem creates asymmetric regret: either over-investing in what turns out to be an incremental choice, or under-investing in what turns out to be critical.
This sourceFoundational synthesis defining critical junctures as relatively short periods of high contingency in which agency and choice produce institutional outcomes that subsequently constrain political development.
Supported in partVerified against the publisher's abstract
Supplies the critical-juncture frame - short high-contingency periods whose choices have enduring effects and demand counterfactual analysis - but says nothing of an identification problem or over/under-investment regret.
“Contingency is the key characteristic of critical junctures, and counterfactual reasoning and narrative methods are necessary to analyze contingent factors and their impact.”
- The identification problem creates asymmetric regret: either over-investing in what turns out to be an incremental choice, or under-investing in what turns out to be critical.
Mechanisms¶
- Critical Juncture Review
- The concept it screens for is well established — brief, high-leverage moments that set durable institutional paths.
This sourceDefines critical junctures as brief, high-leverage periods that set durable institutional trajectories.
- The concept it screens for is well established — brief, high-leverage moments that set durable institutional paths.
- Hinge-Point Timeline
- The guard is to borrow the critical juncture
This sourceDefines critical junctures as relatively rare, bounded periods of expanded choice whose possibilities remain conditioned by antecedent structures.
- The guard is to borrow the critical juncture
Verification¶
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