Post-Colonial Institutions in Central America

Author:
Fogarty, Andrew, Foreign Affairs - Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, University of Virginia
Advisor:
Meng, Anne, Department of Politics, University of Virginia
Abstract:

Why do otherwise very similar states develop different institutions? I investigate the determinants of state institutions using process tracing in five Central American states to uncover the causal mechanisms operating during post-colonial state building. I demonstrate that elite conflict drives the origins and persistence of institutions. Elite conflict has a differential impact on the information transmitted to rulers regarding the
extent of their political power and forms preferences over institutions. This research uses processing tracing because it allows for a more fine grained within-case analysis on the origins of institutions and the validation of causal mechanisms than other methods.

Degree:
MA (Master of Arts)
Keywords:
process tracing, central america, institutions
Language:
English
Issued Date:
2017/04/29