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The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, Vol. 598, No. 1, 33-51 (2005)
DOI: 10.1177/0002716204272516

On Waves, Clusters, and Diffusion: A Conceptual Framework

Zachary Elkins

University of Illinois

Beth Simmons

Harvard University

This article makes a conceptual and theoretical contribution to the study of diffusion. The authors suggest that the concept of diffusion be reserved for processes (not outcomes) characterized by a certain uncoordinated interdependence. Theoretically, the authors identify the principal sources of clustered policy reforms. They then clarify the characteristics specific to diffusion mechanisms and introduce a categorization of such processes. In particular, they make a distinction between two types of diffusion: adaptation and learning. They argue that this categorization adds conceptual clarity and distinguishes mechanisms with distinct substantive consequences.

Key Words: diffusion • clustering • convergence • policy reform • adaptation • learning • contagion


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