Death by Reinterpretation: Dynamics of Norm Contestation and the US Ban on Assassination in the Reagan Years

Abstract Recent scholarship analyzes norm dynamics in the US context using prohibition on assassination contained Executive Order 12333 as relevant norm. These studies argue that—before 9/11—the ban was largely uncontested and effectively constrained foreign policy. In doing so, these overlook impact of Reagan administration evolution ban. This article establishes that engaged a concerted, successful, effort to undermine The relies contestation robustness. analysis identifies key features norm, including its ambiguity executive character. It highlights role power cluster officials led by Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Casey. Crucially, traces prominence unconventional warfare counterterrorism. line with existing scholarship, finds cases validity contestation, meaning applicatory contestation. Contrary however, stresses radical nature actors’ attempts shrink remit through often made superfluous blurring—through contestation—of expectations set A historically grounded during years provides better understanding how (re)shaped ban, establishing precedents for legal, political, discursive conventions surrounding deployed after 9/11.