Deviance in International Relations ― Rogue States and International Security

'Rogue states' have been high on the international security agenda for many years but their theoretical significance for International Relations has remained poorly understood. In contrast to the bulk of writings on 'rogue states' that address them merely as a policy challenge, this book focuses on what we can learn from deviance about the international system and international society.

Building on three basic insights developed in social constructivism and critical theory, this volume brings together interdisciplinary insights into the study of 'rogue states', exploring the role of comity and decency in labelling of 'rogue states', the impact labelling has on behaviour, how to treat a 'rogue state', how 'rogue' status can be withdrawn and what part the role of international law has to play in this process.

This unique and wide-ranging study will appeal to scholars of Sociology, Criminology, Political Science, International Relations and International Law.

Wolfgang Wagner is Chair in International Security at VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. His research is focused on the interaction between democratic politics and conflict.

Wouter Werner is Chair of the interdisciplinary COST funded research network on foundational changes in International Law and Director of the Research Programme, Boundaries of Law, at VU, University Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Michal Onderco is Doctoral Researcher in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at VU University, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. His research interests include norm deviance in international relations, nuclear proliferation and the Global South.