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Description
This paper examines the impact of the United States' recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara on other states' acceptance of Morocco's Autonomy Plan. The analysis draws on norm diffusion theory to explore whether US endorsement triggered a norm cascade, leading other countries to follow suit.
The paper begins with a background of the Western Sahara conflict, highlighting the key actors and historical events. It then delves into the concept of norm diffusion, explaining how ideas and practices spread among states. The analysis explores how the US decision might have influenced other countries' perceptions of the conflict and their willingness to accept the UN-backed Autonomy Plan proposed by Morocco.
The paper utilizes case studies from various geographic regions to understand how different actors could react to various normative influences in international relations. It examines the European Union's approach, considering its emphasis on democracy and potential tensions with its neighborhood policy. The role of regional organizations like the African Union and ECOWAS is also explored, along with their norms of non-interference and collective security. Additionally, the paper considers the strategies employed by smaller states like Indonesia, which leverage their "actorness" to promote regional norms.
By analyzing these various perspectives, the paper aims to determine whether the US decision created a norm diffusion effect or if other factors played a more prominent role in increasing state acceptance of Morocco's Autonomy Plan.
