Publications / Papers / Alle papers / 1999:014 Elite compromises in stable democracy
Elite compromises in stable democracy
Using the case of Norway as an illustration, the paper aims at extending the framework of elite consensus presented by Higley, Field and Burton. A distinction is made between first-order and second-order compromises, first-order compromises laying down the constitutional structure while second-order compromises are sector specific agreements. It is argued that the stability of first-order compromises to a large extent is dependent on the second-order compromises. A set of mechanisms favorable to the establishment and reinforcement of second-order compromises are sketched. On this basis, three second-order elite settlements in Norwegian history are described, connected to foreign policy, bargaining in the labor market, and center-periphery relationships.