Which of the following characterises Rational choice Institutionalism, as a new institution approach in comparative politics?
(A) It explains interest based motivations of political actors
(B) It explains resolution of collective action dilemma
(C) It explains cultural construction of interest and institutions
(D) It follows a deductive approach
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) A, B, and D Only.
· (A) Interest-based motivations: Rational Choice Institutionalism emphasizes how political actors make decisions based on their interests and how institutions structure these decisions.
· (B) Collective action dilemma: This approach helps explain how institutions resolve collective action problems by providing rules and incentives for cooperation.
· (D) Deductive approach: Rational Choice Institutionalism uses a deductive methodology, starting from assumptions about rational actors and deducing outcomes based on institutional constraints.
Information Booster:
1. Rational Choice Institutionalism emerged as a new approach in the 1980s, focusing on how institutions affect the behavior of rational actors.
2. It argues that political actors are utility-maximizing individuals who make decisions based on strategic calculations.
3. Institutions provide the rules and frameworks within which these actors operate, helping to resolve issues like the collective action problem (where individual interests may conflict with group interests).
4. The approach typically relies on deductive reasoning, beginning with assumptions about individual behavior and predicting political outcomes.
5. Rational Choice Institutionalism contrasts with other forms like Sociological Institutionalism, which focuses more on cultural and normative aspects of institutions.
6. While Rational Choice Institutionalism is often criticized for its emphasis on individualism and lack of attention to cultural factors, it has been influential in explaining political processes like voting behavior, legislative decision-making, and international relations.