In the Eye of the Beholder: A Sociology of Knowledge Perspective on Norm Transfer

Abstract

The article introduces the concept of ‘strategic blueprinting’ as a distinct practice of norm transfer, thereby turning the ‘normative-power approach’ on its head. Rather than transferring norms from the inside of liberal communities out, outsiders choose to copy parts of the acquis communautaire. European integration is thus perceived through the eye of the beholder. To elaborate on this strategy, the article compares it with other types of norm transfer such as transplantation and diffusion. The intention is to establish parameters for further research on norm transfer along the four principled dimensions of the new sociology of knowledge: (1) identify and define the practice (internal/external division); (2) situate the practice within the broader field of integration theories and the parallel development of integration policy and politics (symmetry principle); (3) reconstruct the practice (situatedness principle); and (4) establish its potential with regard to governance and constitutionalism in the global realm (contextualism).