Beyond the national: Transnational influences on (subnational) state policy responsiveness to an international norm on violence against women
Abstract
Why do some local governments respond more to violence against women (VAW) than others, and what role do international norms play in prompting greater policy responsiveness? Through comparative case studies, I examine the role that international norms and transnational actors play in shaping the subnational (state) policy responses within Mexico and Nigeria. I argue that transnational diffusion accounts for an important component of the variation in subnational policy responsiveness, drawing on fieldwork in Mexico and Nigeria as well as a broader statistical analysis. Even where policy responsiveness is not expected, such as in Nigeria's sharia (Islamic) law states, I find that transnational support can help achieve subnational policy change. The flow of policy and norms diffusion does not simply flow from the international level to the national level; rather, it can flow in counterintuitive ways, such as from the international level to the subnational level and from the subnational level to the national level. In addition, some states remain impervious to even national policy mandates backed by international law and local civic action. As such, this study explores civic pathways to policy and norms diffusion, shows limits of the influence of both international norms and civil society actors, and identifies specific obstacles to influence subnational policy responsiveness.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Weldon, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Womens studies|International Relations|Political science
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