Suchergebnisse

A review article on 13 books that deal with environmental issues in international relations notes the use of different approaches. The essays in the volume edited by Karen Litfin explore the relationship between sovereignty & ecology to challenge the position that the two are irreconcilable. The collection edited by Young also reflects the regime-oriented approach to international organization, with the contributors exploring the environmental experience in terms of its broader implications for regimes & governance. Elliott's survey of global politics expands upon the global governance theme by looking at issues of structures, frameworks, & world orders. Kuetting's book goes in a different direction by faulting the discipline for failing to address the complex social origins of environmental destruction, resulting in an overemphasis on institutional developments that "externalizes" environmental problems. Weiss & Jacobson's book highlights compliance by eight different nations & the European Union with five international environmental treaties, while the eclectic survey of 10 developing countries edited by Desai offers a useful look at common themes & varied patterns of environmental problems/policies. Maguire & Rasmussen's consideration of environmental protection & population control examines factors like culture, religion, & ethics that are not usually addressed in international relations texts. The collection edited by McGinnis combines natural & social scientific concerns to explore the origins & politics of the organic phenomenon of "bioregionalism." The book by Schaeffer focuses on the consequences of the global emphasis on economics, while Jameson & Masao consider globalization as a philosophical issue, especially in terms of the social implications of large-scale environmental issues. Another dimension, security, is addressed in Homer-Dixon's comprehensive overview of the indirect link between violent conflict & the complex sociopolitical economic relationships associated with environmental stress. Renner's treatment of security centers on its "transformation" by social, environmental, & economic stresses, as well as the dual roles of both "home" & "provider" played by the environment. Hayward's contribution assesses the difficulties involved in bringing ecological concern into political theory, & explores the anthropocentric/ecocentric divide that separates humanity from nature, & nature from politics. 6 References. J. Lindroth