ISA 54 th Annual Convention The Politics of International Diffusion: Regional and Global Dimensions Globalizing and Regionalizing Lifelong Learning -International Organizations' Role in the Diffusion of Lifelong Learning

Abstract While the 1970s still knew 'permanent education' (Council of Europe), 'recurrent education' (OECD) and 'lifelong education' (UNESCO), over the past 20 years, 'lifelong learning' has become the single buzz word and catch-all term for reform in above all (pre-)primary, higher and adult education in both national and international education policy making. Both highly industrialized and less industrialized countries embrace the term, in many cases motivated by international and supranational organizations. Yet, literature and empirical investigation on the content of their LLL concepts and their diffusion mechanisms remain scant. Based on the premises of world polity theory, the paper sheds light on the particular lifelong learning positions in the concepts of the European Union, the World Bank and UNESCO. Particular attention will be given to international organizations as 'theorists' or 'norm catalysts' in applying cognitive diffusion mechanisms