Political norms

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A shared standard of what counts as acceptable behaviour — an unwritten rule most actors follow because it is expected.

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A law is written and (in theory) enforced; a norm is an unwritten shared expectation, enforced by reputation and shame.

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As more actors adopt it, it spreads until it is simply taken for granted — 'just how things are done'.

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The shared expectation that states should not interfere in each other's internal affairs.

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A norm so strong that breaking it is seen as deeply unacceptable — e.g. using chemical weapons.

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The norm that diplomats are protected and not arrested in the country they are posted to.

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Using them triggers global outrage and pressure, showing a norm's power — but some states have broken it, showing its fragility.

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Through reputation and shame — breaking one openly makes an act seem illegitimate.

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Both: they shape behaviour and define legitimacy, but the powerful can break them and norms can erode.

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Constructivism — shared beliefs and norms shape what states think is appropriate.

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It weakens as enough actors break it, until it no longer shapes what is seen as acceptable.