What role[s] do expectations play in norm dynamics?

Despite the central importance often placed on expectations in defining norms, expectations are routinely invoked in a fleeting manner. When they are, expectations are utilised in many different ways, without anyone acknowledging this, which creates confusion. The article argues that expectations should not be viewed as playing a singular role in the norm process. Instead, it puts forward three roles that expectations play in norm dynamics: (i) norms embody expectations, (ii), norms generate expectations, (iii), that different actor expectations have a direct bearing on how norms travel. In so doing, the article seeks to catalyse a much-needed conversation over the concept of expectations in norm dynamics. To aid this, the interdisciplinary analysis draws on Political Psychology, Economics, and Political Science to highlight that other disciplines have spent decades analysing the complexities of expectations. The conclusion offers five recommendations to guide future interdisciplinary research on this underexplored issue.