Understanding World Norms
Definition
World norms
World norms are shared expectations and standards that guide the behavior of states and other actors in the international system.
World norms are not legally binding but influence how countries and organizations act.
The Evolution of Norms
- Historical Context: Norms have evolved over time, often in response to major global events.
- Institutional Frameworks: International organizations like the UN play a key role in developing and promoting norms.
- Cultural and Regional Influences: Norms can vary based on cultural, historical, and regional contexts.
- Social Media and Norms of Rights and Justice
- Social media amplifies awareness of rights violations by quickly spreading footage of abuse, especially of marginalised groups.
- Global coverage of events like police brutality has shaped world norms and pressured institutions to act.
Note
- World norms are not static, they evolve as global challenges and values change.
Key Norms in Rights and Justice
1. Human Rights
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR): Adopted in 1948, it established a global standard for human rights.
- International Covenants: The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) further codified these rights.
- International Humanitarian Law (IHL): IHL limits harm during armed conflict by restricting weapons and tactics that cause unnecessary suffering, such as:
- 1972: Biological Weapons Convention
- 1993: Chemical Weapons Convention
- 2000: Protocol on Rights of the Child in Conflict
Example
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) Article 1, "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights" is considered a world norm because:
- It has become a universally accepted moral and legal standard for how individuals should be treated, regardless of nationality, race, or background.
2. Justice and Accountability
- International Criminal Court (ICC): Established in 2002 to prosecute individuals for crimes like genocide and war crimes.
- Responsibility to Protect (R2P): A norm that emerged in the early 2000s, emphasizing the international community's duty to prevent mass atrocities.
Case study
Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
- R2P is a global norm that holds states and the international community accountable for preventing and responding to mass atrocities.
- The Three Pillars of R2P
- Pillar I: States must protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.
- Pillar II: The international community should assist states in fulfilling this responsibility.
- Pillar III: If a state fails to protect its people, the international community must intervene appropriately (e.g., sanctions, legal action, or force) in line with international law.
- Three Core Responsibilities
- Prevent: Address both root and immediate causes of mass violence.
- React: Respond with proportionate measures, including possible military action.
- Rebuild: Support post-crisis recovery, reconciliation, and justice.
3. Sovereignty vs. Intervention
- Westphalian Sovereignty: The principle of non-interference in domestic affairs.
- Evolving Norms: R2P challenges traditional sovereignty by prioritizing human rights over state autonomy.
Tip
- When analyzing norms, consider how they balance state sovereignty with global responsibilities.
The Role of International Organizations
- United Nations
- Human Rights Council: Monitors and promotes human rights globally.
- Security Council: Authorizes interventions under R2P in cases of mass atrocities.
- Regional Bodies
- European Court of Human Rights: Enforces human rights in Europe.
- African Union: Incorporates R2P principles in its Constitutive Act.
Example
- The African Union's intervention in Burundi in 2015 was based on R2P principles, highlighting the regional adoption of global norms.
Challenges in Implementing Norms
- State Sovereignty: Some countries resist norms that infringe on their autonomy.
- Cultural Relativism: Different cultural perspectives can lead to disagreements on universal norms.
- Enforcement: Lack of binding mechanisms makes it difficult to hold violators accountable.
Common Mistake
- Don't assume that all countries interpret norms in the same way. Cultural and political contexts can lead to diverse interpretations.
Case study
R2P in Action: Libya (2011)
- Context: In early 2011, during the Arab Spring, Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi launched violent crackdowns on protesters in Benghazi, threatening to massacre civilians.
- UN Response: The UN Security Council passed Resolution 1973, authorising “all necessary measures” to protect civilians, including a no-fly zone.
- Action Taken: NATO forces launched airstrikes to halt Gaddafi’s attacks. This marked the first time R2P was invoked to justify military intervention without the consent of the host state.
- Outcome: The intervention protected many civilians in the short term, but it also led to Gaddafi’s fall and a power vacuum that triggered prolonged instability and civil war.
Note
- This case highlights the tension between humanitarian intervention and state sovereignty.
Case study
ICC and African States
- Focus on Africa: The ICC has largely prosecuted African leaders, leading to accusations of bias and neocolonialism.
- Key Example - Sudan:
Omar al-Bashir (Sudan) was indicted in 2009 for genocide and war crimes in Darfur. Despite the ICC warrant, he travelled freely in Africa, showing limited enforcement power. - Key Example - Kenya:
Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto were charged over 2007–08 election violence, but cases collapsed due to lack of evidence and non-cooperation. - AU Response:
The African Union accused the ICC of targeting Africa and urged withdrawals. Burundi left the ICC; South Africa threatened to. - ICC’s Defense:
Most cases were self-referred by African states, not imposed externally.
Note
- Highlights the tension between state sovereignty and international justice, and the politicisation of global legal institutions.
Theory of Knowledge
- How do cultural perspectives influence the interpretation of universal norms like human rights?
- What challenges arise when balancing state sovereignty with global responsibilities?
The Future of World Norms
- Climate Justice: Recognizing the rights of future generations and vulnerable communities.
- Digital Rights: Addressing privacy and freedom of expression in the digital age.
- Adaptive Norms: Norms must evolve to address new global challenges while balancing diverse cultural and political contexts.
Self review
- Identify two key world norms related to rights and justice.
- How have these norms evolved over time, and what challenges do they face today?
