In class we discussed the importance of precedents in the constructivist theory. When reflecting back on major shifts in the international system, many occurred at the same time that precedents were broken. When Hitler invaded Sudetenland, he broke precedent by refusing to recognize Czechoslovakia's sovereignty and then France broke precedent by not respecting its alliance with Chechoslavakia. These two aberrations played a large role in the chaos that ensued within the international system during World War II.
Breaking precedent can also have an impact on international institutions. Through precedents, a single country can give an institution more or less power. For example, when the United States attacked Iraq, even though the UN did not approve of it, the US took power away from the United Nations.
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