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Whose Norms Prevail? Policy Networks, International Organizations, and 'Sustainable Forest Management'

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 01:50 authored by Frederick GaleFrederick Gale, Cadman, T
This article investigates the origin of international norms, arguing that one pathway is via the strategic action of sector-specific policy networks. Evidence is adduced from an examination of the contested norm of sustainable forest management (SFM). It is argued that a Canadian forestry policy network, under pressure internally and externally to demonstrate its environmental and social credentials, promoted an ‘‘economistic’’ SFM norm in regional negotiations known as the Montreal Process. The article outlines the policy network approach, applies it to the Canadian forest sector, and analyzes how a policy network centered in the Canadian Forest Service and the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers worked to have the network’s preferred conception of SFM internationally endorsed. The article highlights the importance of investigating which social actors champion which international norms and encourages reflexive policymaking by calling into question the degree to which international norms actually reflect a genuine global consensus.

History

Publication title

Society and Natural Resources

Volume

27

Pagination

170-184

ISSN

0894-1920

Department/School

School of Social Sciences

Publisher

Taylor & Francis Inc

Place of publication

Philadelphia, USA,

Rights statement

Copyright 2014 Taylor & Francis

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Other law, politics and community services not elsewhere classified

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