In this course students will study how states and non-state actors seek to cooperate to address global environmental problems. We begin by identifying the theoretical foundations of international cooperation and governance as well as the role that institutions, states and non-state actors play in these political processes. Students will use this analytical toolkit to evaluate why some environmental problems can be governed effectively, while others cannot.

Seminar: two hours per week, for 10 weeks

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Policy Briefing, 1800 words (40%)

Essay, 3000 words (60%)

In this course students will study how states and non-governmental actors seek to cooperate to address global environmental problems. We begin by identifying the theoretical foundations of international cooperation and governance as well as the role that institutions, states and non-state actors play in these political processes. Students will use this analytical toolkit to evaluate why some environmental problems can be governed effectively, while others cannot. Topics discussed in class include questions like: Why are climate politics so difficult? Do democracies have better environmental policies? Can international environmental agreements be effective? What role do firms and activist networks play in environmental cooperation? All these topics are rooted in the most recent literature and, where applicable, linked to current policy debates.

By the end of the course students should be able to:

■ demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the major theories of global environmental politics;

■ apply relevant concepts and theories to analyse the interaction between the political, economic, and institutional aspects of global environmental politics;

■ interpret a range of quantitative and qualitative research findings regarding pressing global environmental problems, such as climate change and biodiversity;

■ critically assess the different goals of global environmental policy and governance, and identify the key trade-offs involved in environmental policy-making;

■ evaluate the political, economic and social implications of adopting different environmental policy options;

■ advance reasoned and evidence-based arguments, both orally and in writing.