Session 18: Norm Dynamics

In the “International Norm Dynamics of Political Science”, the authors Finnemore and Sikkink provide a background about Ideational concerns and how they were separated from the study of IR during the behavioural revolution. They also point how the main problem with ideational is the fact that they explain change not stability.

In addition, they divide norms into three different stages of development which they refer to as the “life cycle” of norms. The first of the three stages the emergence of norm where ‘norm entrepreneurs’ see the need to bring about a particular change. In the second stage, the domestic call for change becomes international. As more and more states are willing to adopt change, there arises ‘peer pressure’ in the global system that forces the states unaffected by the emerging norm to adopt it. Finally, the third stage ‘internalises’ the norm to such an extent that it is entrenched into the system in such a way that it is no longer a taboo.

In Pakistan, the Ahmadi community has been declared non-Muslim since 1974 under the constitution. Despite outcry from the community itself the state has continued unfair treatment towards its minorities. However, at present, there has been increasing awareness amongst Pakistani citizens regarding the rights of minorities, Ahmadis in particular. In my opinion the country has successfully passed through the stage of ‘norm emergence’ and is now moving into the second stage where the movement is gaining momentum in all factions of society. This call for change will eventually lead towards the elimination of any unfair laws and practices already instilled into the system.