Publication

Peace Mediators as Norm Entrepreneurs: The EU's Norm Diffusion Strategy in Montenegro's Referendum on Independence

Author: Siniša Vuković
Date: 03 December 2020
Links: Link to article (available open access)

On a referendum held on May 21, 2006, 55.5% of voters in Montenegro voted in favor of their country’s independence. While in numerical terms the outcome shows overwhelming support for independent Montenegro, from a normative standpoint it was a narrow win. The normative framework that regulated rules of procedure for the referendum, defined an unconventional standard for a successful outcome: more than 55% of voters had to vote in favor. The unorthodox norm came out of a peacemaking effort mediated by the EU, which presented it as fair and in line with the democratic standard of competition. Although participating parties did not hesitate to indicate their dissatisfaction with the presented norm, they eventually accepted it and held the referendum using that normative standard. What explains the success of the EU in diffusing such an unconventional norm? How can norms be diffused through an ad hoc and voluntary processes such as international mediation? In order to answer these questions, this paper offers a nuanced conceptual framework that juxtaposes conflict, conflict management and international mediation on the one hand, and norm contestation and norm diffusion on the other. More specifically, the paper explores the manner in which conflict dynamics that are driven by ideational aspects of separatism and secessionism can be managed through a mediation process that centers around the norm of referendum as tool of conflict management.