Taassisustus

Taassisustus is a term used in governance and organizational studies to describe the process of reinstating previously established rules, institutions, or practices after a period of change or suspension. It denotes a deliberate move to restore the status quo ante rather than to create new arrangements. The term is primarily found in Estonian-language scholarly discussions and is not universally applied in international discourse.

Etymology and scope: The term is derived from the element taas- meaning "again" and a suffix related to establishment or enactment, signaling re-establishment. In common usage, scholars distinguish taassisustus from retroactive rulemaking, which imposes effects on past actions, whereas taassisustus focuses on restoring earlier forms through formal decisions, amendments, or transitional provisions. It can apply to national laws, administrative procedures, or organizational governance.

Mechanisms and examples: Taassisustus involves identifying the rules to be reinstated, establishing a legal or administrative basis, and creating transitional arrangements to minimize disruption. It can occur through legislative amendments, executive actions, or by-law revisions within organizations. For example, a government might use taassisustus to reinstate a pre-pandemic regulatory framework after a temporary simplification experiment ends, or a nonprofit might revert to its former governance charter following a pilot phase.

Criticism and relation to other concepts: Critics warn that taassisustus can delay reform, entrench outdated practices, or bypass broader stakeholder input. It is discussed in relation to policy rollback, continuity planning, and transitional justice, where the balance between change and institutional memory is debated.