Process-tracing in social science is a method for studying causal mechanisms linking causes with outcomes. This enables the researcher to make strong inferences about how cause (or set of causes) contributes producing an outcome. In this extensively revised and updated edition, Derek Beach Rasmus Brun Pedersen introduce refined definition process-tracing, differentiating it into four distinct variants explaining applications limitations each. The authors develop underlying logic including...

The last decade has witnessed resurgence in the interest studying causal mechanisms linking causes and effects. This article games through methodological consequences that adopting a systems understanding of for what types cases we should select when using in-depth case study methods like process tracing. proceeds three steps. We first expose assumptions underpin as have implications selection. In particular, take our point departure case-based position, where: causation is viewed...

ABSTRACTProcess-tracing (PT) as a distinct case-study methodology involves tracing causal mechanisms that link causes (X) with their effects (i.e. outcomes) (Y). We trace whereby cause (or set of causes) produces an outcome to both: (1) make stronger evidence-based inferences about relationships because the analysis within-case evidence each step process absence thereof) in between and outcome, (2) gives us better understanding how outcome. Yet, when we look at methodological literature on...

This paper provides an in-depth reconstruction of the (failed) reform EU's Common European Asylum System. Even though this was essentially a legislative process, it characterized by extensive Council involvement. In fact, is commonly blamed for lack progress in EU reform. Divisions at level Heads and insistence on consensus made impossible machine room to proceed with dossier. We challenge view, looking interplay between Council, (of Ministers) Commission. argue that effectiveness...

A key mission of many applied linguists is to understand how language-related processes work. The inner workings a process can be explained by theorizing about the underlying causal mechanism that enables unfold and evidencing with empirical material. However, methodological repertoire linguistics limited in this regard. Thus, we step outside our field-specific literature showcase Process Tracing, family qualitative, within-case research methods often used political science trace mechanisms....

The Council Secretariat is the unseen hand in treaty reform negotiations – highly influential but also overlooked. This article highlights significance of this neglect, and more generally problems with using crude either–or dichotomies on whether EU institutions matter. A leadership model first developed that explains when we should expect such as to matter vis-à-vis governments. It hypothesized context specific negotiation strategies employed by determines their level influence over...

In recent years, there has been increasing interest in the combination of two methods on basis set theory. our introduction and this special issue, we focus variants cross-case set-theoretic methods— qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) typological theory (TT)—and their with process tracing (PT). Our goal is to broaden deepen empirical research equip scholars guidance how implement it multimethod (MMR). At first glance, PT seem be highly compatible when causal relationships are...

This article explores the practical challenges one faces when combining qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and process tracing (PT) in a manner that is consistent with their underlying assumptions about nature of causal relationships. While PT builds on mechanism-based understanding causation, QCA as method makes claims counterfactual Given need to ensure alignment between ontological understandings causation underlie methodological practice, different foundations result guidelines...

Abstract This article traces the role of EU institutions in setting up European stability mechanism (ESM). There have been many scholarly assessments but few empirical reconstructions decision‐making on intergovernmental ESM and its predecessor financial facility. The instruments clearly constituted a step away from supranational entrepreneurship Community method. However, we question intergovernmentalist interpretation terms institutional competition decline. Using historical analogy Delors...

The promise of process tracing methods is that they can help us better understand how things work in real-world cases. Despite the many advances past two decades, we contend existing accounts result either under-socialised which moves made by actors are studied while neglecting social dimension action, or over-socialised so focused on context neglect causal doing things. In this article, attempt to bridge divide merging conceptual language from productive/generative account mechanisms with...

This article focuses on methodological challenges in evaluating complex program aid interventions like budget support. We show that recent innovations process-tracing methodology can help solve the identified and increase strength of causal inference made when using case studies demanding settings. For specific task governance effectiveness support interventions, we developed a more fine-grained mechanism for sub-set comprehensive theory Moreover, based informal use Bayesian logic, have...

This article traces the role of EU institutions in process leading up to EU–Turkey Action Plan and Statement. The deal is proverbial 'orphan' crises management, with none key actors eager claim ownership. Yet when judged from perspective resulted effective inter-institutional collaboration, which stands stark contrast EU's handling relocation schemes or Dublin reform. Using insights informal governance literature, maps network that managed this process, activities within network, determines...

This paper analyses the role and influence of EU institutions in major reform negotiations. We argue that one paradoxes European Council dominated decision-making has been enhanced dependence on to translate broad priorities into actual reforms. substantiate this claim by means an in-depth process-tracing analysis Fiscal Compact. The conventional wisdom is Compact was a German dictate. Instead, we show it resulted from division labour: political leadership member states control room,...

Abstract There is still significant confusion about how multimethod research can be undertaken and even if it possible. The article makes the claims that much of result a failure to distinguish between multimethodology research. We argue there are at least three different methodological languages: variance-based, case-based, interpretivist. starts by discussing ontological epistemological foundations underlying methodologies in them making very types evidenced with empirical material....

Abstract This article reconstructs the coming about of 750 billion EU Covid Recovery Fund. We provide an embedded process‐tracing analysis dynamics from mid‐March 2020, when idea ‘Corona‐bonds’ was parachuted onto Heads’ Agenda, up until ‘historic’ deal on Multiannual Financial Framework and Fund 21 July. Where most media accounts scholarly assessments focus high‐level making between political leaders, we trace proceedings inside EU's institutional machinery, which produced solutions laid...