ABSTRACT
This chapter first explores the theoretical basis for the idea that a deeply entrenched ‘worldview’ informing a policy can be a potential reason for continuity despite massive pressure for change. Following constructivist cues, it lays out theoretical considerations with regard to national identity and political culture, and then positions the basic premises within this framework and speculates about the relevance and implications of these concepts. The chapter then turns the focus to the question of the relationship between interests and values, explains how and why language matters in political practice, and finally addresses the reasons and mechanisms that provide the starting point for the assumption that culture tends to promote stability. Second, and briefly, this chapter discusses the methodological approach to how stability/change in the ideas that underlie the promotion of democracy in the U.S. are traced. A more extensive engagement with methodological procedure is provided in an online appendix.
