International norms and domestic policies in Japan: Identity, legitimacy and civilization

How do international norms impact domestic policy? International Relations theorists increasingly argue that international norms are an important part of the explanation for changing state behavior. However, the following three dimensions remain unexplained: which norms matter, the processes or mechanisms through which international norms are institutionalized, and the limits to the power of these norms. I address this debate by examining the influence of international norms on domestic policy in Japan in four issue areas: land mines, whaling, refugee policy, and employment discrimination against women. Because Japan is among the least likely places for many international norms to be adopted, this case yields interesting and important insights.; Although the norms codified in international law tend to be more socially progressive than Japan's conservative domestic norms, Japan continues to adopt such treaties and become bound by obligations associated with them. Some scholars argue that international law that conflicts with domestic norms will not be adopted. My research shows that this explanation is too simple, as it does not consider states' search for legitimacy and the role of domestic advocates in exerting pressure in both the adoption and compliance phases that policy makers cannot ignore. My research offers a more comprehensive explanation, which takes into consideration the variability in adoption, implementation and compliance of international law across issue areas. Although conflict does shape how international laws are interpreted and implemented, it does not automatically follow that the laws will not be adopted as a result. Thus, I offer an explanation for the question of why even highly contested international laws are adopted, and reveal the particular strategies by which domestic actors successfully influence implementation and compliance. My research shows that domestic advocates play a vital role in adopting international law regardless of the level of discord with prevailing domestic norms and increasing the levels of compliance.