Beyond borders: A conceptual framework for the adoption of global hate crime policies

• In Event: The Global Phenomenon of Hate Crimes: Perspectives from Individual Protected Groups

Abstract

While hatred knows no borders, research into hate crimes often remains limited by national perspectives, lacking in both theory and empirical evidence. The rapid increase in hate crime laws and policies in recent years, alongside changing global governance structures, underscores the need for a nuanced understanding and empirical evaluation of hate crime policymaking beyond national confines. This paper introduces a conceptual framework for the global adoption of hate crime policies, focusing on their spread through internationalisation. This framework identifies three key processes: diffusion (across states), adjustment (to supranational norms), and delegation (of authority to supranational institutions), offering new insights into the global-local dynamics in policy formation. It sheds light on the legislation's spread, the challenges of adapting in non-Western contexts, and the evolution of transnational governance. Leveraging preliminary data, including a dataset on European hate crime policies and interviews with elites and experts, the paper moves beyond state-centric theories inadequate for non-Western contexts. Initial findings indicate policy adoption is shaped by both internal pressures and international trends, highlighting the significance of democracy and civil society. This method aims to fill existing research gaps, charting a new course for hate crime policy study.

Author

• Piotr Godzisz, University of Leicester