Importing EU Norms - Conceptual Framework and Empirical Findings (Relié)

This interdisciplinary work presents a conceptual framework and brings together constructivist and rationalist accounts of how EU norms are adopted, adapted. resisted or rejected. These chapters provide empirical cases and critical analysis of a rich variety of norm-takers from EU member states, European and non-European states, including the rejection of EU norms in Russia and Africa as well as adaptation of EU practices m Australia and New Zealand.
Chapters on China, ASEAN and the Czech Republic demonstrate resistance to EU norm export. This volume probes differences in willingness to adopt or adapt norms between various actors in the recipient state and explores such questions as : How do norm-takers perceive of the EU and its norms ? Is there a `normative fit' between EU norms and the local normative context ? Similarly, how do EU norms impact recipients interests and institutional arrangements ? First, the authors map EU norm export strategies and approaches as they affect norm-takers.
Second. the chapters recognize that norm adoption, adaption, resistance or rejection is a product of interaction and a relationship in which interdependence, asymmetry and power playa role. Third, we see that domestic circumstances within norm-takers condition the reception of norms. This book's focus on norm-takers highlights the reflexive nature of norm diffusion and that nature has implications for the EU itself as a norm exporter.
This volume fills a major gap in our understanding of the European Union's normative power with its focus on the perceptions of third party recipients of EU norms and values. The editors have produced a book that combines conceptually strength with empirical richness to addresses an academic lacunae on the EU's norm takers to excellent effect. - Professor Richard G. Whitman, Professor of Politics and International Relations Director, Global Europe Centre University of Kent - This exceptional volume makes a significant theoretical and empirical contribution to the research agenda on normative power by examining thirteen case studies in the impact of the cultural filter on EU norm diffusion.
A genuinely rich diversity of scholars and case studies from across the world, including European, African, Australasian, Asian and global analyses, develop the cultural filter of EU norm adoption, adaption, resistance or rejection to excellent effect. - Professor Ian Manners, Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen -