Description

The evolving counter-terrorism regime obliges and permits countries to make changes in their domestic policies. It also requires them to cooperate with other states, thereby influencing foreign policies. At the same time, policy-makers in state capitals are trying to mold the global regime so that it fits their projects better. For example, India’s policies on terrorism are structured by regime norms, yet, simultaneously, the country is seizing an influential position at this formative moment in the evolution of the counter-terrorism regime. By examining this instance of structure-agency interaction, I demonstrate that while structure can constrain actors’ choices, actors can also shape structure. Indian policy-makers leverage the normative bases of the regime in order to modify the evolving regime and forward their preferred policies at home. However, India’s policies—and eventually—its identity, are slowly but surely being influenced by the regime.