Conclusion: Situated Norm Engagement and Beyond

Abstract

This chapter brings out core findings from the book and emphasises a set of central points that characterise the situated approach to norm engagement. It discusses how norm engagement is deeply political and underlines that actors will always seek to make sense of global norms in light of their particular contexts, histories and contemporary situations. Actors will seek to influence others’ interpretations of norms as much as they seek to diffuse, adapt or translate a normative idea into a given situation. The core challenge is to understand the relationships between norms, actors and contexts when all three are seen as dynamic and as influencing each other. The chapter ends by discussing the prospects for global norms and gender equality.