Applications of Darwinian Evolutionary Theory within Historical Institutionalism

Abstract

There are many discussions and debates within the field of Historical Institutionalism. From institutional creation to change, there is significant disagreement about how to combine the many different ideas being proposed by varying academics within this area of study. These ideas include concepts such as punctuated equilibrium, path dependency, long term temporal analysis, and institutional dynamism. Many of these concepts are variations of ideas found within
Darwin’s theory of evolution. By applying this theory, I will connect these different ideas within Historical Institutionalism – and present a novel way to look at institutions: species within an environment.