definition

Possibilism: outcomes are 50% structure, 50% agency

Following Hirschman's notion of possibilism, deterministic theories of development (industrialization then urbanization then bourgeoisie then democracy) overstate inevitability; much of development is maneuvering around constraints bequeathed by geography and history, so even if 50% is driven by exogenous conditions, 50% remains in one's hands.

definitionpending

Speaker

Dani Rodrik

Evidence Quote

If 50 percent is driven by exogenous conditions, 50 percent is still basically in your hands is one way of looking at it.

Source

Dani RodrikConversations with Tyler
Created: 6/13/2026, 3:23:41 AM

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