The Search for American Political Development

Orren and Skowronek survey past and current 'APD' scholarship and outline a course of study for the future.

Karen Orren (Author), Stephen Skowronek (Author)

9780521838948, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 May 2004

248 pages
23.5 x 16 x 2.1 cm, 0.468 kg

"Orren and Skowronek pitch a structural analysis of politics that is contingent, historical, supple and important." - Daniel T. Rodgers, Princeton University

In recent years, American political development has claimed the attention of a growing band of political scientists, and scholars have begun to speak of 'APD' as a subfield within the discipline. This book provides a justification for studying politics historically, not only for what it reveals about the roots of political affairs at the present time but what it teaches about politics as an ongoing activity in time, anytime. Placing the character of political institutions at the center of analysis, Orren and Skowronek survey past and current scholarship and attempt to outline a course of study for the future.

1. The historical construction of politics
2. Unraveling the premise: the cultural critique
3. The institutional turn: rethinking order and change in time: 4. Political development: the definition
5. Political development: the issue.

Subject Areas: Politics & government [JP], History of the Americas [HBJK]