Published online by Cambridge University Press: 14 February 2012
This article examines how well imported institutional models fare in their recipient sites, how far they are modified by the conditions they encounter, and which variables determine the outcomes. The analysed set of variables consists of particular actors and agencies involved in the transplant project; the strategy they choose for its implementation; and the local in terms of those who might support it and those who might oppose it. The arguments of the article are based on the findings of research carried out on social engineering projects undertaken in Russia and Bosnia. The projects consisted of the establishment of new bodies closely modelled on the UK Press Complaints Commission.