These virtual events are open to everyone interested and address different topics related to norms research.
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Book Talk with Antje Wiener (University of Hamburg & University of Cambridge) and Thomas Risse (FU Berlin),
Deep Contestations of the Liberal International Order" (Oxford University Press, 2026, open access
10 June 2026 | 12:00–13:00 (online)
Please register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/dc6db628-4644-4d7a-9bca-e8701ee5790c@1ef3ba1c-574c-4a4c-a39b-c6243af6af59
The book analyses the contested nature of the Liberal International Order (LIO) by distinguishing between ‘normal’ contestations, which constitute routine engagement with norms, and ‘deep’ contestations, which challenge the order’s core principles and institutions. It identifies deep contestations in recent events, such as Putin’s invasion of Ukraine and Trump’s attacks on the rule-based international economic system, revealing the LIO’s vulnerabilities. The volume argues that these challenges stem from inherent contradictions and unfulfilled promises, including intrusiveness without inclusiveness, persistent inequalities, and incapacity to address global governance crises such as climate change. It further highlights the role of the ‘axis of autocracies’, notably Russia and China, and their alliances with right-wing populism within liberal democracies, in destabilising the order. Ultimately, the book assesses the LIO’s resilience, projecting scenarios for its future and stressing its survival as contingent on its ability to adapt and reform.
This event will be held in English. The book presentation will be followed by a Q&A.
We look very much forward to welcoming you to the event’.
Bastian Loges, Berenike Prem, Johanna Speyer and Jan Wilkens
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We are delighted to invite you to the book talk with Anette Stimmer (St Andrews) about her book,The Politics of International Norms: A Rhetorical Approach (Cambridge University Press, 2025). Elvira Rosert will be the discussant kicking off the Q&A. This event is open to colleagues, students, and everyone interested in norms research. Anette Stimmer’s recently published book ‘The Politics of International Norms: A Rhetorical Approach’ (Cambridge University Press, 2025) sheds light on the effect episodes of contestation can have on norm strength. By using insights from rhetorical theories, she shows that it matters what norm elements are contested. Disagreements on the norm frame (e.g. over whether ‘due process’ or the UN Security Council’s prerogative prevails) tend to involve more uncertainty about the international community’s expectations than narrower disagreements on the behavioural claim (e.g. whether an Ombudsperson or an international court shall safeguard due process). The greater the uncertainty about what the international community considers appropriate, the weaker the norm. Furthermore, the book explains how three classical elements of rhetoric – speakers (including delegation to agents), argumentation and audience reactions – influence the duration of contestation and its outcome. The reactions of in-group members, for instance, are particularly influential for whether contested norm interpretations can be upheld. This rhetorical approach is applied to eight recent norm disputes, including the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War, the 2011 No-Fly Zone over Libya, the South China Sea dispute, and contestation over the human rights of terror suspects. You can find more information about the book here. Here ist the poster of the event. This event will be held in English.
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