Contextual Determinants of Electoral System Choice - Ã bo Akademi

approaches drives waves of diffusion most. The explanatory framework may besummarized in the following way. A policy innovation emanates either fromexternal pressure or domestic initiative. The latter may take two forms: a quest forlegitimacy or a pursuit of interests. Finally, rational learning and cognitiveheuristics are two alternative types of pursuing interests (2005: 269). These modelsare theoretically as well as empirically analyzed, the empirical evidence comingfrom the area of social security reform in Latin America. Nevertheless, theanalytical framework bears relevance to other areas of diffusion as well,institutional choice being one of them.Weyland points out that processes of diffusion have three major characteristics;diffusion occurs in a distinct wave, it tends to have a clear geographicalconcentration, and it produces commonality in diversity. The wavelike processyields an S-shaped pattern by starting slowly, then gathering speed, and finallytapering off. In spatial terms, it initially spreads through the region in which theinnovation was born, and thereafter reaches other parts of the world. In substantiveterms, diffusion entails the adoption of the same innovation in diverse settings(2005: 265-269).The external pressure model is concerned with the influence of powerful externalactors, particularly international organizations, on single countries by means ofincentives, sanctions and coercion. While acknowledging the significance ofexternal pressures in some contexts, the author maintains that the capacity of thismodel to explain all basic features of diffusion is rather limited (2005: 269-272).The normative imitation approach regards the import of advanced innovations asan attempt by the decision-makers to gain international legitimacy as well as anambition to demonstrate the country’s modernity and accomodating tointernational standards. Weiland (2005: 270) argues that “the desire to impressglobal public opinion… …drives the rapid spread of innovations”. Countries tendto keep up with new trends before they have enough information on the likelyeffects of the reform. This model succeeds rather well in explaining differentaspects of policy diffusion, particularly the puzzle of commonality amid diversity(2005: 270-275).100