Legitimation Practices

Abstract

Abstract This chapter sets out the rationale for synthesizing legitimation and practice theory and introduces the concept of legitimation practices. It develops the concept of internal legitimation practices, which relates to the legitimation of a Security Council decision as part of the decision-making process. Examples of this include prioritizing unanimity, which is beyond the legal requirements, repeating language from previous Security Council decisions, and prioritizing support from countries that are in same region as subject of negotiations. Drafters prioritize these practices during negotiations, which serve to enhance the legitimacy of a decision. It also develops the concept of external legitimation practices, which relates to patterned actions taken by participants of a Security Council negotiation that enhance their own legitimacy. Examples of this include making consistent arguments that will appeal to specific audiences, and ‘doing something’ even when participants issue statements indicating that they knew the decision could not be implemented or would not make a meaningful impact. Internal and external legitimation practices are central, yet underresearched, aspects of Security Council negotiations that shape the process and outcome of decision-making.