The paradox of independence: dependence at the time of independence

When new states become independent, the paradox of independence can arise. It means that when states become independent, they are sensitive to external influences and ideas, which creates dependence on other states and international organizations. The outcome is an independent state that is dependent on the environment.

This book project will finish previous projects' work to theoretically explain and empirically examine the independence paradox, its existence, mechanisms and relevance. The purpose is to provide new knowledge about new states' conditions and political development.

A planned monograph will analyze whether ideas of political institutions spread between states in different networks and how this diffusion affects new states when they form their political institutions at the time of independence. The project will be unique by studying how the spread of institutional ideas occurs in several networks and influences the formation of political institutions.

The project is important for two reasons. First, it draws attention to the dependence relationships that form new states and influence their development. Since most of today's states have become independent since 1816, the project will provide an increased understanding of relationships between and development in most states. Second, the project maps the spread of institutional ideas in a new way, raising awareness of how states influence each other through diffusion in networks.