Localization in World Politics: Bridging Theory and Practice

Abstract This Introduction and Special Forum highlight the importance of localization for the study of world politics, both as a theoretical concept in international relations research on norms and as a set of practices and policies. The article tackles four questions: (1) Why has localization become a focus of scholarly and policy attention? (2) What are the historical precursors of localization? (3) What is being “localized” and who/what is “local”? And (4) how can localization be studied (i.e., using which methods and approaches)? After unpacking common functionalist, normative, and strategic arguments in favor of localization and situating the concept historically, we develop a novel relational conception of localization as both a process and an outcome. Our central objective is to bridge the diverse meanings and uses of the term that exist across theory and practice. Drawing on interdisciplinary perspectives and empirical examples from forced migration, humanitarianism, the protection of civilians, transitional justice, and Women, Peace and Security, we consider key dilemmas and challenges facing both the academic study and practice of localization and identify several methods and approaches that can be used to analyze this important topic in world politics.