ENP-30306 International Environmental Policy

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Expected knowledge on:

Knowledge of environmental policy at the national level (e.g. based on the course Environmental Policy I (C100-215)) will facilitate acquiring insight into European and international environmental policies.

Continuation courses:

AV-milieubeleid

Contents:

A. Factual and theoretical introduction
- Introduced to a number of factual evolutions regarding the global environment;
- Conceptual introduction, historical background and theoretical frameworks and instruments: regime theory and international law.
B. Actors and dynamics in international environmental relations
The praxis of environmental policy making has underlined the crucial role of a number of more 'traditional' actors in international policy making. States and international governmental organisations still provide the backbone for this policy domain. On the other hand, though, few issue areas have contributed so clearly to our understanding of the role of other actors. Banks, TNCs and organised civil society (NGOs and GROs) all have played a significant role in shaping the dynamics of international environmental policy making .
C. Important cases for the study of international environmental relations In order to get a firmer grip on the dynamics in this issue area, a number of case studies will be discussed. The classic areas are atmospheric problems, water-related issues and biodiversity issues. Besides these we will look at a number of cases, which clearly demonstrated the interconnected nature of different problems: development issues and environmental issues; conflict and environment.
D. The European Union and environmental politics and policy
We will take a close look at the EU as a very specific actor with unique dynamics and impact on the international environment. The institutional setting, the role of states vis-à-vis the EU, the instruments that are used and the place of environmental policy making in the functioning of the EU will be discussed. In addition we will look at the enlargement process (towards East Central Europe) and its impact on environmental issues.

Aims:

The goal of the course is to introduce students to the ways in which the international community reacts to environmental problems. This includes an introduction to the theoretical frameworks used, the actors involved, and the analysis of a number of important cases and issues in international environmental politics.

Activities:

Attending lectures; preparing for discussion-group meetings by studying literature, making summaries and preparing questions or statements for the discussion; active participation in excursion-programme, studying literature for written exam.

Examination:

The written exam will be based on the lectures and the readings.

Literature:

To be announced