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International norms are, by definition, a factor of stability in the international system. Nevertheless empirical evidence shows that norms are constantly changing, which raises questions on the ability of norms to regulate inter-states relations & prevent conflicts. This article analyses the cycle of norm diffusion, tracing the origin of norms, their diffusion, contestation & change. It investigates the relationship between interests & identity & between structure & agency in the process of norm diffusion, & discusses the implications of this process on international cooperation. Adapted from the source document.

A theoretical discussion on the relationship between globalization and international norms and whether the economy could be reformed into a just and stable system. According to the neoliberal and structuralist rational choice theory, states try to maximize their own benefit, which in turn determines international norms. The constructivist model flags for a socially conditional rationality where these norms are based on ideas, values and cultures alone. A possible path to international institutional reform could be the United Nations whose economist and sociologists disused the market crisis as a system crisis. However, a real reform cannot take place before more powerful multinational institutions have been developed. L. Pitkaniemi

After a brief account of the origin of the Kosovo crisis & of the attempts made by the international community to bring it to a solution, in the present work, the Author starts analyzing the stands taken by States in relation to the declaration of independence issued on the 17 February 2008 by the Assembly of Kosovo. By weighing the validity of the arguments advanced in favour or against the independence of Kosovo, the Author first highlights the violation of the terms of the UN Security Council resolution 1244/99 by the unilateral declaration of independence & the contradictions & omissions inherent in the claim of uniqueness about Kosovo advanced by most of the States which have decided to recognize the new entity. The Author then claims that the independence of Kosovo cannot be characterized neither as an exercise of a (dubious) right to a remedial secession nor as a fait accompli. He therefore concludes that Kosovo does not qualify yet as a subject of international law, that the acts of recognition of the new entity adopted by several States are premature and, as such, illegitimate & that, notwithstanding it is resolutely denied in any official statement, the conduct of abovementioned States seems to be permeated by the philosophy of the remedial secession. Adapted from the source document.

An introduction to the last part of the current volume of Internasjonal Politikk, which discusses twelve publications that illustrate the importance of Norsk Utenrikpolitisk Institutt (Norwegian Institute of International Affairs [NUPI]) to political sciences during the fifty years of its existence. Adapted from the source document.

The article aims to enrich our understanding of the double-concept of "peace/war" in international relations, & of its place in international theory, starting from an examination of its relations with issues of power & freedom. The authors look at history to comprehend the essential features of peace & war in different systems of states as they have historically developed; but they also turn to contemporary international politics to highlight the ways in which both peace & war have changed since the end of the Cold War. Finally, the article investigates the politics of "peace/war" in the international order of today, with particular reference to globalization & the role of American hegemony. Adapted from the source document.

A discussion of the book by Kari Karame and Torunn Tryggestad (Eds), Kvinner, krise og krig (NUPI-rapport nr. 225( ([Women, Crises, and War (NUPI report n. 225)] Oslo: NUPI 1997), as an illustration of the importance of Norsk Utenrikpolitisk Institutt (Norwegian Institute of International Affairs [NUPI]) to political sciences. Adapted from the source document.

A discussion of the book by Marin Saeter, Det politiske Europa -- Europeisk integrasjon: Teori, ide og praksis ([Political Europe -- European Integration: Theory, Ideas, and Praxis] Oslo: Universitetsforlaget 1971), as an illustration of the importance of Norsk Utenrikpolitisk Institutt (Norwegian Institute of International Affairs [NUPI]) to political sciences. Adapted from the source document.

A discussion of two 1966 articles by Arne Olav Brundtland, "The Nordic Balance. Past and Present" (in Cooperation and Conflict 1(2): 30-63), and "Nordisk balanse for og na" (["The Nordic Balance, Past and Present"] in Internasjonal Politikk 25(5): 491-541), as an illustration of the importance of Norsk Utenrikpolitisk Institutt (Norwegian Institute of International Affairs [NUPI]) to political sciences. Adapted from the source document.

Discusses how the importance of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) has increased over the years for anthropologist, sociologist, political scientists and economist especially in the realm of war and peace research. Many things in NUPI have changed over the years -- among them increased journal publications and a more visible international role. L. Pitkaniemi

A long time researcher of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) discusses the rich history of the institute including changes in its tasks, working methods, publications and leadership. While the model for NUPI has been around since the establishment of the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in 1920, it took almost four decades before the Norwegian equivalent was finally founded in 1959. In the early years NUPI focused on studying East-West relations, security policy and the UN, but towards the late 20th century this focus shifted towards the research of European policy, developmental policy and international economics. L. Pitkaniemi

A discussion of the book by Helge Pharo, Hjelp til selvhjelp. Det indisk-norske fiskeriprosjektets historie 1952-1972 ([Assistance with Self-help. History of the Indian-Norwegian Fishing Project between 1952 and 1972)] Oslo: NUPI 1986), as an illustration of the importance of Norsk Utenrikpolitisk Institutt (Norwegian Institute of International Affairs [NUPI]) to political science. Adapted from the source document.

Provides a portrait of the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) that turned 50 years in 2009. Even if the institute started from a relatively restricted research perspective on the East-West relations, it has grown to include a large variety of areas from development to security policy. The institute has a legal status, official control, organizational essence and its main task is to enlighten international relation. Despite its institutional status, the research conducted by NUPI is distinguished from both academic basic research and user-oriented consulting solutions. What really distinguishes NUPI, however, is its status as the only research institute that focuses on foreign policy and international relations that are of Norwegian interest and produced in the Norwegian language. L. Pitkaniemi