The promises and pitfalls of an endogenous theory of institutional change: A comment

Abstract:

Contributors to this volume attempt to fashion an endogenous theory of institutional change. The main conceptual vehicle is the incomplete contract. Starting with the assumption that the various treaties of the European Union are contracts (agreements among states), contributors look to the ways in which ambiguities and gaps in these contracts, along with different interests among the institutional actors, create dynamic pressures for change. Differences between designing actors and implementing actors create part of the tension motivating institutional change. This article clarifies the requisite logic of an endogenous theory of institutional change and points to obstacles that need to be overcome for success.