States and International Environmental Regimes

Today: Examine IR theories that focus on states as units of analysis in explaining cooperation Are these useful theoretical lenses?

Realism - Assumptions Anarchic system = no central authority; self-help States want to survive States potentially dangerous (military capability) Uncertain about intentions of other states Rational – strategic calculations how to survive

Realism Implications about state behavior Maximize power Fear each other Follow own interest defined as security and maximization of RELATIVE power War is means not an end Non-security issues (particularly environment, human rights) of secondary, if any, importance Cooperation unlikely (although “not impossible”) Institutions – irrelevant b/c reflect distribution of power

Neoliberal Institutionalism Assumptions States unitary, rational actors Anarchy: no government, but governance possible States follow own interests Interests can be issue specific (e.g. economy, environment, security, etc.) Cooperation possible – governance without government Institutions – important for cooperation

Role of Institutions Facilitate Cooperation: –institutionalize iteration (long-term calculations and reciprocity conducive to cooperation) -provide information (monitor, change of strategy) -credible commitments -issue linkage -reduce transaction costs (make agreements and monitoring less costly to administer) -resolve distribution conflicts

Constructivism: Assumptions Society of states Commonly accepted norms and principles (such as sovereignty, procedural rules in treaty negotiation matter) Ideas influence definition of interests and regime formation Power cannot be defined as a simple function of resources; it is also situational

Structural Power vs. Bargaining Leverage Structural power F (security, production, finance, knowledge and ideas) Bargaining power F (strategic position, bargaining rules, coalitions) E.G. Brazil and Indonesia may be low on structural power, but have a lot of bargaining power in biodiversity negotiations.

Key Differences Definition of power Definition of interests Prospects for international governance Role of institutions

Interpreting environmental cooperation: Realism? -focus on hegemon, interests, power relations Liberal institutionalism? -focus on interests, institutions, effects Constructivism? -focus on norms, ideas, networks that spread ideas Other factors? -domestic politics; non-state actors; transnational actors