ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates how the institutional context within which the closure game takes place matters- with different contexts come different means by which the game can be played. Despite the centrality of institutions to the English School’s theoretical apparatus and their role in international society’s globalisation story, with few noteworthy exceptions, there is surprisingly little direct engagement with them. As concerns the Family of Civilised Nations, the criteria primarily governing membership derive from two primary institutions: the Standard of Civilisation and, implicitly a part of it, the institution of sovereignty. G-summitry is set apart from the other clubs because it is primarily a product of the fundamental/primary institution of diplomacy. As G-summitry is predominantly conditioned by the diplomatic institution, the norms, values, beliefs, ideas, and practices that are central to diplomacy serve as the foundation of the club’s operation and it is these norms that inject Mobility Dampeners into the club.
