Birthday

Happy birthday, jeriendhal!

Success and Succession

I'm still reading Skowronek, and I've just stumbled over a passage that has me a bit confused. I understand, I think, what the author is saying; I just don't see how he arrives at the conclusions he offers. I'd appreciate any thoughts or explanations from the better-informed. (This means you in particular, oilhistorian!) Details under the cut.

( Opposition vs. Affiliation )