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Public Organization Review· 2026Q1· Review

Theories on Variations in Party System: A Literature Review

Fariha Tabassum

Short summary

Classical and contemporary theories alone are insufficient to explain global party system variation; context-sensitive approaches integrating regional historical and socio-political dynamics are needed.

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Abstract

Abstract The debate on party system theories has evolved with increasing complexity as electoral systems spread from advanced democracies to newer ones. This literature review examines classical and contemporary theoretical debates on variations in party systems along with regional studies. The theoretical debates highlight how institutional and sociological factors influence party systems’ size, institutionalization, and polarization, while the regional variations analyses emphasize the role of historical and socio-political factors. This review underscores that classical institutional and sociological theories alone are insufficient to explain global party system variation and argues for context-sensitive approaches that integrate regional historical and socio-political dynamics.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Public Organization Review, 2026 · DOI ↗

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Field: Political Science and International Relations

Political Science and International RelationsSocial Sciences