Sustainability as A Global Norm: Power Asymmetry and Neocolonialism?

Abstract

Sustainability as a global norm has been implemented for the last two decades with standards and regulations to ensure the compliance of the global community. However, the implementation of such a global norm is not always smooth, such as in the case of Indonesia and the European Union (EU) disputes on palm oil trade caused by the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II policy. The application of sustainability standards, especially by the Global North countries to the Global South countries, brings the suspicion of a neo-colonialist attitude characterized by asymmetric power dynamics and economic domination. Using qualitative methodology research by analyzing primary materials on reports and case observation, this study explores the neocolonialism perspective in enforcing sustainability norms in the context of North-South relations. To illustrate the discussion, this study uses the case of the RED II policy toward Indonesia’s palm oil export to the EU. The findings reveal the asymmetric power in norm-making of sustainability, asymmetric power in regulatory making, economy as an instrument of control, and discrimination in implementation. The findings suggest features consistent with neocolonialism in the implementation of sustainability as a global norm through trade relations.

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