Anja Carolin Lippstreu

// DISSERTATION PROJECT

Why third time is a charm. An analysis of the normative fusion process towards a human right to environment.

The dynamic nature of individual norms has been confirmed throughout constructivist norm research. The dynamic nature between them has, however, so far been understudied, which is especially true for affirmative relations between norms. The dissertation builds on Caroline Fehl?s concept on norm hybridization as one of the few examples of research on such synergetic relationships, but extends its premises. To conceptualize the merging of different norms with each other, I propose a three staged model of the normative fusion process. It is argued that through normative linkage, struggles over the norms? relations can be activated even when the normative configurations are formerly distinct and unconnected. Through compromises that manifest in discursive and institutional shifts, actors can eventually create a new merged normative configuration out of norms belonging to different issue areas. If the relationship is constructed in a way that allows for the alignment of the norms and potential norm collisions are avoided, a new norm can emerge as a result. Whether or not a normative fusion occurs depends on agency involved. Building on insights from the literature on advocacy coalitions and their effect on individual norms, this paper claims that the constellation of advocacy coalitions and their level of alignment can explain the dynamics between norms as well. To test these theoretical considerations, the development of a substantive human right to environment will be analysed based on the proposed model of the normative fusion process. With this empirical case it shall be proven that a fusion process is possible even for distinct norm complexes where claims for a relationship have to be first established by actors. Preliminary results from meeting records, agenda lists and interviews conducted suggest that the concept of normative fusion and the different levels of engagement of advocacy coalitions can explain why some attempts to merge are more successful than others. It helps us to understand why rights-based attempts to the environment lost momentum in the 1970s and 1990s, but led to the recognition of a human right to environment in 2021.

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// ACADEMIC BACKGROUND

2024 – 2025        
Completion Scholarship at BAGSS

2020 – 2025       
Doctoral Dissertation in International Politics, University of Bamberg

2017 – 2020
Master of Arts in Political Science, Focus International and European Politics, University of Bamberg

2013 – 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Social Science, Minor Law, University of Augsburg

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// CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS

ECPR Joint Sessions 2023, ‘(R)evolutions in International Human Rights Law and Politics: Actors, Norms, and Strategies’. Paper: “Human Rights in a Changing Environment. The fusion process of human rights and environmental protection into a human right to environment”. Toulouse, France. 25/04 – 28/04/2023

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// EXPERIENCE

Professional Experience:

2016
Internship at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Nuremberg

Academic Experience:

03/2020 – 03/2024            Research assistant at the Professorship for International and European Politics

Teaching Experience:

S/VS/HS: National Model United Nations. How the United Nations Work (winter term 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24)

S: International Institutions and the Role of Global Governance (summer term 2021, 2022, 2023; winter term 2020/21)

PS: Introductory Seminar International and European Politics (summer term 2020, 2021, 2023)

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