Normative Innovation and the Great Powers

Abstract

In this final chapter, The author asks whether the shift from a multipolar to unipolar society of states has led to normative change in international society, using the norm prohibiting the use of force as a case study, and arguing that although material changes in international society do have an impact, the norms that underpin international society are not infinitely malleable and constrain even powerful actors like the USA. He begins his chapter with a discussion of the relationship between power and norms, which reinforces the linkages between English School of International Relations and constructivist approaches identified in Ch. 4 by Reus‐Smit. The author dismisses the realist and materialist arguments that norms play, at most, a peripheral role in international life, by arguing that even powerful states prefer to act in accordance with international rules. In relation to the use of force, he argues that it is very difficult to find a case since 1945 where a state has not sought to justify its use of force with reference to the rules governing that discussion. After charting the evolution of norms pertaining to the use of force and the globalization of international society, he turns to the post‐September 11 era, arguing that although the USA continues to follow the rules to a large extent, its attempt to act as a ‘normative innovator’ by claiming an exceptional right to self‐defence poses a grave danger to both the UN and the system of law that underpins the society of states.

Den "nye engelske skole" og pluralisme-solidarisme-debatten

“…Mere specifikt handler pluralisme, ligesom realisme, om at bevare eller ligefrem dyrke den politiske og kulturelle forskellighed og saeregenhed, der har kendetegnet menneskehedens historie (Jackson, 2000: 23). De vaesentligste fortalere for pluralismen er: Bull (1966Bull ( , 1977Bull ( , 1990; Wight (1979Wight ( , 1991; James ( , 1986; Jackson (2000); Mayall (2000a); Morris (2004); Williams (2002Williams ( , 2005Williams ( , 2011.…”

The Withering of the Welfare State

“…Moreover, the specific UN instrument which effected the demise of the European empires declared in almost perfect contradiction with the Charter that 'inadequacy of political, economic, social and educational preparedness should never serve as a pretext for delaying independence'. 2 On this basis membership of international society became so pluralist as to extend unconditionally to territorially defined 'peoples', irrespective of their ability to defend their state against aggressors or to provide for their citizens' welfare (Morris, 2005;Jackson, 1990b).…”

A critical evaluation of American drone strikes in Pakistan: legality, legitimacy and prudence

“…The idea of great power responsibility has been the focus of many International Relations (IR) writers (see Bull 1979-80;Bull 1977, pp. 205-227;Morris 2005;Simpson 2003;Jackson 1998). Some have rightly asked whether great powers have great responsibilities (Brown 2004).…”