How party ambitions influence platform adaptation when holding or opposing office. The paper tests hypotheses that parties' historical success affects their response to government status versus opposition.

Alternative Explanations for Platform Change

Existing theories suggest various effects: no impact, increased change in opposition, gradual changes after multiple opposition terms, or varied responses due to differing goals.

New Hypothesis on Aspiration and Office Dynamics

Contrary predictions are proposed based on loss aversion. Low-aspiration parties adjust more when in government. High-aspiration parties modify platforms more when opposing.

Methodology & Evidence

Using pooled time-series cross-sectional analysis of 1,686 platform changes across 21 democracies (Comparative Manifesto Data), the study finds empirical support for these contrasting hypotheses.