A General Theory of Institutional Change

Reviews / Votes

'This book is a provocative effort to use evolutionary ideas as the basis for a new general theory of institutional change. The proposed theory offers a promising way of bridging conflict and consensus approaches to institutions in substantive research. I recommend it to all students of institutional formation and change.'

James Mahoney, Professor, Northwestern University

'With impressive erudition, Shiping Tang advances a far-reaching general theory of institutional change. Engaging with classical and contemporary social and political theorists , Tang has formulated a bold account of institutions and institutional change that adds a new voice to cutting-edge debates on institutional change.'

Daniel Ziblatt, author of Structuring the State, Professor of Government, Harvard University

'What is required to produce a general theory of institutional change? Shiping Tang develops a social evolutionary approach in which ideas and power--not a mechanical selection process--play a central role. A terrific introduction to the theoretical landscape.'

Stephen Haggard, Professor, University of California, San Diego

'Shiping Tang seeks to provide us with a general theory of institutional change, based on a social evolutionary approach. Tang is exceptionally well read in social theory and provides us with a thought provoking analysis.'

Dr Mark Haugaard, National University of Ireland, Galway