Screening the theories of institutional dynamics in the light of the post-socialist transformation
Résumé
The post-socialist transformation is a historical phenomenon of systemic evolution. It is not a state but a process, a dynamic phenomenon by its very nature; moreover, it appears as an archetype of institutional change. If various theories of institutional dynamics have contributed to explain some aspects of this process, the complexity of the transition in its multidimensional nature invites us to consider the dynamic links between these theories' contributions. This theoretical interaction obviously raises interrogations at the epistemological and methodological level. It is thus necessary to define the conditions of this theoretical interface. We proceed by identifying four criteria that allow to select the theories which are likely to take part in the development of an evolutionary approach to institutions. These four criteria are: an institutional evolution thought as a process of cumulative causation, an irreversible, genetic and conflicting process. According to the degree of incorporation of these criteria into their reflection, theories of the institutional dynamics may be considered as participating to a small or to a larger extent to the building of an evolutionary economics of institutions. The interaction between these theories prepares the way for new theoretical findings regarding causes, processes, actors and the result of institutional evolution.