ABSTRACT
In this chapter we give an overview of some of the key objectives and findings produced in the book. We summarise key evolutions in the norm diffusion literature and highlight the importance of Börzel and Risse’s distinction between direct and indirect diffusion, which establishes a pathway to more detailed analysis and theorisation of what happens within the target state. We note that most of the chapters in this volume are based on extensive fieldwork and suggest that it is necessary to engage in such granular fieldwork in order to fully understand the locally-mediated nature of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) diffusion. Ultimately, we claim that analysing the implementation of the SDGs through a norm diffusion lens and engaging with cutting edge developments in norm diffusion theory has been a productive exercise. Finally, there is tremendous scope to use this approach as the basis for a comprehensive research programme on the implementation of the SDGs.
