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In order to evaluate the existence of shared identities, values, meanings and commonly long-term
interests, Amitav Acharya divided his analytical framework into three sections: one about norms in
dispute settlement, one about norms for collective action and one with regard to the issue of collective
identity (ibid.: 36). The main-guiding questions he identified for each of these sections will also form
the analytical basis of this article and are summarized in the following table:
Table 2. Constructing security communities: a framework (Acharya 2014: 36).
Questions about norms in dispute settlement
1
In handling intra-regional disputes, has the use of force been resorted to or seriously envisaged?
2
Has there been any indication of competitive arms acquisitions and military planning during the course of the
dispute?
3
Does the group provide for institutional mechanisms to settle disputes between members?
4
How often do members resort to such mechanisms?
Questions about norms in collective action
1
Does the group follow its norms in devising functional cooperation, such as economic cooperation?
2
Does the group follow its norms in dealing with outside actors?
3
What is the level of support provided by other members of the group to a member who is involved in a dispute
with an outside actor?
4
How does the grou