The STudy of CriTiCal JunCTureS Theory, narrative, and Counterfactuals in historical institutionalism

T concept of “critical junctures” is an essential building block of historical institutionalism. many causal arguments in the historical institutionalist literature postulate a dual model of institutional development characterized by relatively long periods of path-dependent institutional stability and reproduction that are punctuated occasionally by brief phases of institutional flux—referred to as critical junctures—during which more dramatic change is possible.1 The causal logic behind such arguments emphasizes the lasting impact of choices made during those critical junctures in history.2 These choices close off alternative options and lead to the establishment of institutions that generate self-reinforcing path-dependent processes. in pierson’s words,