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Resumo

This article examines a sample of comparative-historical literature to assess when convincing generalizations are made and when they are not. Although a variety of factors can affect the potential for generalization, the focus here is on the difference between diachronic and synchronic generalizations. Separate sections are devoted to synchronic-idiographic, synchronic-nomothetic, diachronic-idiographic, and diachronic-nomothetic analysis and research. Evidence is presented to demonstrate that synchronic generalizations are common in comparative history. The most attention in the article is, however, given to the challenges faced when generalizing diachronically and especially when generalizing sequentially. The article ends with a discussion of the effects of inter-societal forces on comparative-historical generalization and with a conclusion outlining when comparative-historical generalizations seem to be more or less successful.

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