TY - JOUR
T1 - Path dependency and the CAP
AU - Kay, Adrian
PY - 2003
Y1 - 2003
N2 - Current frameworks for understanding the development of the CAP all suffer from having a static rather than a dynamic perspective. This paper considers whether the concept of path dependency can provide a corrective. However, the large majority or the empirical applications of the concept have been to institutional development at a macro, constitutional level rather than to specific public policies. This paper by defining the CAP as an institution and using the concept of path dependency is an attempt to test the boundary of the existing literature. The advantages and difficulties of the concept with regard to understanding the CAP are critically assessed. The main difficulty is extending explanations or path dependency to accommodate major CAP reforms. However, in certain cases, the mechanisms of feedback loops and cumulative consequences which derive from a path dependency approach can be useful for explaining significant shifts in policy direction. Overall, the conclusion is that the concept can enrich our understanding of the development of the CAP.
AB - Current frameworks for understanding the development of the CAP all suffer from having a static rather than a dynamic perspective. This paper considers whether the concept of path dependency can provide a corrective. However, the large majority or the empirical applications of the concept have been to institutional development at a macro, constitutional level rather than to specific public policies. This paper by defining the CAP as an institution and using the concept of path dependency is an attempt to test the boundary of the existing literature. The advantages and difficulties of the concept with regard to understanding the CAP are critically assessed. The main difficulty is extending explanations or path dependency to accommodate major CAP reforms. However, in certain cases, the mechanisms of feedback loops and cumulative consequences which derive from a path dependency approach can be useful for explaining significant shifts in policy direction. Overall, the conclusion is that the concept can enrich our understanding of the development of the CAP.
KW - CAP
KW - Feedback loops
KW - Historical institutionalism
KW - Path dependency
KW - Policy change
KW - Reinforcement
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0347386500&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1080/1350176032000085379
DO - 10.1080/1350176032000085379
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:0347386500
SN - 1350-1763
VL - 10
SP - 405
EP - 420
JO - Journal of European Public Policy
JF - Journal of European Public Policy
IS - 3
ER -