Contesting the World: Phil Orchard and Antje Wiener on Norms Research in Theory and PracticeNew Book available at Cambridge University Press

15 January 2025

Over the past thirty years, norms research has evolved into a significant subfield within International Relations and beyond. 'Contesting the World' delves into the development of norms, exploring their emergence, change and legitimacy on both domestic and international levels

This in-depth volume presents the interpretation-contestation framework, positioning it as the primary theoretical mechanism for understanding norms. Leading scholars spanning diverse sub-fields and epistemological perspectives investigate the crucial aspects of norm development including norm strength, collision and conflict; interaction and linkages; and the illumination of historical norm development through contestation.

'Contesting the World' offers a fresh perspective on norms research, focusing on ideas, social facts. norm adaptation, and the shift towards viewing norms as processes. It is an invaluable resource for anvone interested in understanding the complexities of norms and their impact on international relations. A fascinating exploration of norms, contestation and the ever-changing world of global politics.

• A cutting-edge overview of the key debates, approaches, concepts and methodologies of norm research incluaing norm strengun, unkages, collisions, conflict and implementation.
• Introduces the interpretation-contestation framework as an invaluable tool for understanding how international norms emerged and are gaining legitimacy 
• Provides an insight into the research agenda of norm research as a subfield of international relations, demonstrating how it has evolved and its future cirection

The book can be ordered through the website of the University of Cambridge Press.