The existence of a shift in the power structures at the international level functions as a stepping stone for a plethora of additional transformations. Among these are the duration of...Show moreThe existence of a shift in the power structures at the international level functions as a stepping stone for a plethora of additional transformations. Among these are the duration of internationally endorsed norms. In this light, this thesis has set out to uncover the magnitude of the influence that rising powers have on the normative status of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P). These rising powers, which are referred to as the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), are known to value the protection of state sovereignty, which plays a large role in framing their views and subsequent implementation of R2P. With use of the norm life cycle theory, the consequences of their rationale on the norm internalisation of R2P were identified. While Brazil and South Africa attempted to further develop the norm, China, Russia and India attempted the opposite by seeking to prevent the further use of the doctrine in its current form. This has led to the realisation that rising powers hamper the internalisation of R2P as a norm.Show less
