Non-Modernization: Power-Culture Trajectories and the Dynamics of Political Institutions

Modernization theory is a cornerstone of much political science, despite the mounting evidence against its predictions. In this paper, we argue that theory's failings are rooted in predictions not conditioned on history and cultural configurations. We outline which interplay distribution power configurations lead to three distinct self-reinforcing paths development, with very different state-society relations, institutions, economic structures. These Despotic, Absent Shackled leviathans. The role configurations, made up attributes society's culture set, critical legitimizing social arrangements each path. For example, Despotic Leviathan, as China, cannot be understood without appreciating how Confucian has been used bolster worldview rulers supposed virtuous regular people discouraged from participation. argued interpretation inherent thought, but an endogenous outcome along trajectory Leviathan. None highlight support modernization theory. Under there no modernization. growth bolsters existing regime supporting configuration, tendency towards democracy or associate changes. dynamics leading changes greater bottom-up Nevertheless, causation does go former latter, these critically dependent entrepreneurship order formulate popularize new institutionalize