Forums Do Matter: Examining the Norm Dynamics of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)

Abstract

In this chapter, we investigate if institutional settings do have an influence on norm emergence and norm implementation of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). We argue that there is a connection between the institutional setting and the status of the norm. The discussion of R2P has taken place in different institutional settings over time. Due to three characteristics of those arenas—membership, procedures of decision-making and voting procedures—the respective arena contributes to a challenge or confirms the norm of R2P. A broad membership, a high degree of formality in decision-making procedures and equal voting procedures strengthened the acceptance of the R2P norm. In contrast, a small forum, a high degree of informality and conditions favouring unequal voting may have challenged the norm of R2P.