166-212 Global Environmental Politics

Usually a first-year politics subject.

This subject provides a comprehensive and critical introduction to global environmental politics. Students will encounter the political and institutional challenges raised by global environmental problems, the diverse and often competing claims of the modern environment movement and its critics, and the main normative and institutional responses to global ecological problems. Students will be introduced to the ways in which mainstream international relations theories (notably neorealism and neoliberalism) have conceptualised and responded to global environmental problems. These mainstream 'state-centric approaches' are contrasted with alternative and more critical readings of global environmental problems from the emerging perspective of global political ecology. The competing theoretical perspectives are used to explore critically the tensions between the discourses and institutions of global environmental governance and global economic governance against the background of new environmental issues, actors, interests and agendas. Topics addressed include the global climate change negotiations; the tensions between economic neo-liberalism, trade and the environment; the role of non-state actors such as transnational NGOs, scientists and corporations in environmental diplomacy; and the ecological security debate. On completion of the subject, students should be able to comprehend and critically evaluate the major political claims and conflicts raised by global ecological problems as well as the major normative and institutional responses at the global level.

• be able to research through the competent use of the library and other information sources, and be able to define areas of inquiry and methods of research in the preparation of essays;

• be able to conceptualise theoretical problems, form judgements and arguments and communicate critically, creatively and theoretically through essay writing, tutorial discussion and presentations;

• be able to communicate knowledge ideologically and economically through essay writing and tutorial discussion;

• be able to manage and organise workloads for recommended reading, the completion of essays and assignments and examination revision;

• be able to participate in teamwork through small group discussions.

An essay of 3000 words 75% (due in the week prior to the mid-semester break) and a 1-hour take-home exam 25% (due at the end of semester).

A subject reader will be available.