The Impact of Norms in International Society: The Latin American Experience, 1881-2001 (review)

A decade after the literature on norms reemerged in international relations with the constructivist approach, its research agenda is finally reaching Latin American politics. As part of that wider trend, this book is timely. Taking for granted that norms matter in international politics, Arie Kacowicz's puzzle is to explain how and under what conditions they matter. The choice of Latin America is not mere accident; the author presumes some sort of Latin American exceptionalism: "Perhaps there was something particular, unique, and peculiar about Latin America" (p. xi). The book therefore traces norms of peace and security and ponders how consequential they were for Latin American politics in the long period 1881–2001.

The first chapter deals with the theoretical underpinnings of Kaco-wicz's argument. The author contends that although norms are a pervasive element of international politics, one does not need to adhere to the recent constructivist literature in order to recognize them. Thus, while presenting a norm-based account that attempts to bridge several approaches, Kacowicz aims to recover the English School neo-Grotian approach. Accordingly, he emphasizes international law and, furthermore, attempts to synthesize. As he puts it, "From a neo-Grotian perspective, a plausible synthesis between positivism and constructivism can be elaborated, one that focuses upon international law and the empirical evidence on the impact of norms and institutions upon the behavior of states" (p. 3).

Kacowicz asserts that regional norms of peace and security matter in Latin America. His analysis focuses on uti possidetis (the recognition of former colonial borders); peaceful settlement of international disputes; respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity; nonintervention; self-determination; convivencia (peaceful coexistence); concertación (consensus seeking); arms control and disarmament; nonproliferation and confidence-building measures (CBMs); political democracy and human rights. There is, of course, no assertion that all these norms have mattered to the same extent in the 11 cases tested; only that all of them have had a distinguishable impact on Latin American politics.

In the second chapter, the author presents a framework for studying norms and elucidating their impact. In order to find common ground among a variety of approaches to norms, Kacowicz starts with a minimalist definition, simply noting that "all norms define a certain accepted behavior within a given social environment" (p. 19). Making the case for the Grotian approach he adopts, the author notes that "the importance of international norms is paramount since 'normal' international relations can take place only within a framework of normative rules." Furthermore, following Hedley Bull, "The existence and relevance of these norms make the collectivity of states a society, rather than a mere system" (p. 25). Having spelled out his theoretical framework, Kacowicz reelaborates his understanding of norms as "the products of ordinary practice with a binding force that derives from consent. There would be a greater impact of these social practices if existing powerful actors . . . [would] sustain and uphold them" (p. 25). The author conceives the impact of norms as being a function of domestic and international variables.

Drawing heavily on Bull's work, in chapter 3 Kacowicz makes the case for Latin American specificity, insofar as its constitutive units share interests, values, norms, and institutions. He spells out in some detail the region's common interests and values, essential norms, and four major institutions. In this manner, Kacowicz persuasively documents the existence of a Latin American society. He then goes on to trace the paths by which this normative tapestry has had an impact on the international and domestic processes of the region. Kacowicz notes that "The effects of these regional norms and institutions on Latin American politics can be considered both constitutive and regulative, both shaping interests as well as reflecting them" (p. 70).

The author is aware, though, that talking about a Latin American society is puzzling, "because of the evident contrast between the rhetorical...