Theoretical Framework: Higher Education as an Institution in the Context of Disruptions

This chapter introduces the theoretical framework that guides the analysis of HE internationalisation policies in the context of Brexit and COVID-19. First, the case for a new institutionalist approach to HE policy analysis is made. Next, key concepts of institutional stability and change deriving from historical institutionalism are explored. This includes the concept of path dependence, mechanisms of institutional self-reinforcement, and a problematisation of the critical juncture concept. Subsequently, it is argued that historical institutionalist approaches of change and stability can benefit from an added sociological institutionalist perspective. Finally, the discussed concepts from historical and sociological institutionalism are combined in a disruption analysis framework, and scenarios are derived with regard to potential manifestations of change or stability in response to Brexit and COVID-19.