Although there has been a revival of interest in comparative industrial relations analysis, much of the current debate continues to juxtapose convergent and divergent trajectories and search for factors which might explain why the experience of one nation differs from, or is similar to, that of others. Though of some utility, it is important to question how far such an approach can continue to advance our understanding of comparative industrial relations. The merits and limitations of a `convergence versus divergence' approach are illustrated by a critique and development of Russell Warhurst's (1995) analysis of industrial relations in the European airline industry. It is argued from this critique that comparative analysis should focus on modes of labour regulation rather than the institutions of industrial relations.
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