Reevaluating Constructivist Norm Theory: A Three-Dimensional Norms Research Program

Constructivist theories of norm dynamics offer a variety of analytical tools to understand the complex processes of norm emergence, diffusion, and evolution over time. As the literature has developed, though, it lacks a general framing of the interconnections between norms, norm clusters or configurations, and principles or “normativity.” This article advances a new three-dimensional model of constructivist theories of norms that emphasizes the spatial dimensions of norm meanings, legitimacy, and impact and identifies promising avenues for research progress. First, individual norms represent a primary intersubjective structural component that is both developed and contested. Second, theories of norm interrelations or norm clusters provide additional critical dimensions of structuration that may promote resiliency in the face of contestation. Third, norms exist within a larger constellation of norm structures, representing the broadest dimension in world politics. Collisions can occur in this environment, but broader normativity and institutionalization often become activated in the face of serious challenges. As demonstrated using the illustration of international responses to the Syrian civil war (2011 till present), only by attending to all three dimensions of norms can we gain a more accurate understanding of real-world circumstances of norm connections, norm collisions, and the variable effects of norm contestation. The article concludes by identifying promising research avenues building from the three-dimensional framework.

Study on the evolving role of the People’s Republic of China in resolving the conflict in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

The age-old struggle for influence in Asia, intensified in recent decades, has gained a new player in the form of dynamic China, one of the leaders of world politics and the economy of today. The authors draw on the opinions of foreign and domestic experts to determine the reasons for the involvement and role of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in resolving the conflict in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (IRA) and to link these activities to China’s renewed strategy in the Middle East as a whole. The research done by the authors over the last six months has developed rapidly in recent weeks and even days, indicating that geopolitical turbulence is developing in recent times.The article classifies the full range of the People’s Republic of China interests in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and identifies the factors that influence the formation of China’s system of interests in Afghanistan, including factors in the international environment. The consequences of the pandemic and China’s new opportunities to use soft power to advance its interests have been identified. The People’s Republic of China’s strategy in the region has been defined and attention has been paid to security issues.Beijing’s envisaged steps to promote its projects in the region have been presented.