Methodology

VelEx Politics uses a structured, event-based approach to document historical change.

The core principle is simple:

separate the recording of events from their interpretation.

Epistemic Firewall

What does that mean?

The project operates with an experimental epistemic firewall.

This means that observable facts — such as dates, locations, actors, and event descriptions — are recorded first, as cleanly as possible.

Interpretations, explanations, and theories are kept separate and may evolve over time.

Record Types

VelEx Politics records four basic types:

• Pressure events — moments where collective or institutional force is applied

• Repression events — moments where force is used to constrain or suppress

• Milestone events — moments that mark a durable shift in a system

• Actor records — individuals or groups connected to documented events

Confidence & evolution

Not all records carry the same level of certainty.

Some events are well-documented and widely agreed upon. Others are included provisionally, with uncertainty noted.

Records may be revised, expanded, or reclassified as new information emerges.

VelEx Politics is an ongoing experiment.

The method is refined incrementally, alongside the growing body of records.

Corrections

Found an error or have additional sources? We welcome corrections, contributions and collaborations.

Contact: info [at] velexpolitics [dot] org