Can international norms drive political change? This research explores the dynamics of international norms and their role in shaping political landscapes. Examining how norms evolve and influence state behavior, the authors propose a three-stage "life cycle" for norms: emergence, norm cascades, and internalization. The study offers testable hypotheses about how norms foster political change, highlighting diverse motives, mechanisms, and behavioral logics at each stage. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the strategic nature of social construction processes, advocating for a focus on the interplay between norms and rationality. Instead of opposing these concepts, understanding their connections can lead to theoretical progress, and has strong implications for foreign policy. The findings are invaluable for those seeking to understand the forces driving shifts in international politics.
Published in International Organization, a leading journal in international relations, this article contributes to the journal's core focus. By examining norm dynamics and political change, it enhances our understanding of global governance and the factors shaping international cooperation and conflict.
| Category | Category Repetition |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 1,928 |
| Political science | 1,274 |
| Political science: Political institutions and public administration (General) | 1,269 |
| Political science: International relations | 1,233 |
| Geography. Anthropology. Recreation: Environmental sciences | 296 |