How does global opinion affect culturally condoned violence?

Global opinion can influence culturally condoned violence by shaping international norms, laws, and pressure for change.

Global opinion, formed by the collective views of individuals, societies, and nations, plays a significant role in shaping the world's response to culturally condoned violence. This influence is often exerted through international norms, which are shared expectations about what behaviour is considered acceptable or unacceptable within the international community. When global opinion strongly opposes certain forms of violence, it can lead to the establishment of international norms that condemn these practices. For instance, female genital mutilation and honour killings, once considered acceptable in certain cultures, are now widely condemned due to shifts in global opinion.

Moreover, global opinion can influence the creation and enforcement of international laws. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and other international legal bodies often reflect global opinion in their rulings. For example, the ICC has prosecuted individuals for war crimes and crimes against humanity, many of which involve culturally condoned violence. These prosecutions send a strong message that such violence is not acceptable, regardless of cultural context.

Global opinion also exerts pressure on governments to change their policies and practices. This pressure can come in many forms, including diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and public criticism. For example, global opinion has played a significant role in pushing governments to take action against domestic violence, which is often condoned or ignored in many cultures. International campaigns and movements, often driven by global opinion, have led to significant policy changes in many countries.

However, it's important to note that the influence of global opinion is not always straightforward or effective. Culturally condoned violence is often deeply rooted in societal norms and beliefs, and changing these can be a slow and difficult process. Furthermore, there can be significant resistance to perceived external interference in cultural practices, particularly when it comes from Western countries. Therefore, while global opinion can play a crucial role in challenging and changing culturally condoned violence, it is only one part of a complex and multifaceted solution.