Analyzing Failed Institutional Change Attempts

Theoretical advances in the study of institutional change center around a productive paradox. While agents can take strategic action to institutions, institutions display remarkable level formal stability. From this paradox, we expect that attempts are an empirical regularity and many will fail. This article contributes historical institutionalism by analyzing political effects failed on sequences. Failed could be mere blips, having little effect subsequent trajectories, or even inoculate against future attempts. also lay ideational groundwork, aid coalition building, garner concessions for change, convince alter their strategy. The suggests analytical strategies assess attempts, drawing examples from comparative politics two extended case illustrations Italian party Affordable Care Act United States.