Suchergebnisse

Sustainable development is the central challenge of the 21st Century. How can human civilization continue to develop without destroying the natural systems on which it depends?Environmentalists tell us that capitalism is the problem because it feeds our self-interest. They tell us that we have to restrain ourselves and only consume what the Earth can sustain. Or governments must tell us what we can and cannot buy. This book uses the science of complex systems to explain why governments cannot deliver sustainability or happiness and how self-interest can be used to make society su.

Thinking about the world we make / Neil E. Harrison -- Complexity is more than systems theory / Neil E. Harrison and J. David Singer -- Complexity and conflict resolution / Dennis J.D. Sandole -- Understanding and coping with ethnic conflict and development issues in post-Soviet Eurasia / Walter C. Clemens, Jr. -- Beyond regime theory : complex adaptation and the ozone depletion regime / Matthew J. Hoffmann -- Agent based norms in the study of ethnic norms and violence / Ravi Bhavnani -- Alternative uses of simulation / Robert Axelrod -- Signifying nothing? : what complex systems theory can and cannot tell us about global politics / David C. Earnest and James N. Rosenau -- When worlds collide : reflections on the credible uses of agent-based models in international and global studies / Desmond Saunders-Newton -- Complex systems and the practice of world politics / Neil E. Harrison.

It is commonly hoped that technological innovation will sustain development and obviate the need for extensive socioeconomic change. Historically, free markets have increased the quantity of technological innovation, which has in turn enhanced economic growth. This article shows that market selection probably will not produce the technological innovation required to sustain development. Social structures and habitual practices also inhibit technological change, and market choices of technology could prevent ecologically efficient technological innovations. Only political direction of science and technology will optimize the contribution of technology to sustainable development. However, there is no theory or experience to act as a guide to policymaking. In addition, in the medium to long term, technology is indeterminate, selected by local process perturbations. This article suggests some policy directions for science and technology and argues that models borrowed from the life sciences may permit more effective government direction of the technology system.

"Governing Complexity in the 21st Century surveys the ways in which social systems are becoming more complex. It shows how this complexity impacts every aspect of life for individuals, governments and societies in most social systems at individual, regional, national and global scales and explores how embracing 'complexity thinking' can greatly improve the art of governance in all policy areas. The book clearly explains the ideas and methods of complexity science - widely accepted in both the natural and social sciences - then demonstrates how 'complexity thinking' can be applied to improve our understanding of governance and policy actions. Providing a deep analysis of many governance challenges, including economic development and technological innovation, environment management, climate change, and development in the Middle East, the book also compares national responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Clear and jargon-free, this book is accessible to undergraduates and scholars alike. It is essential reading for policymakers everywhere, showcasing methods for governing effectively and efficiently in our increasingly complex world. It brings together the broad range of social and environmental science fields and will be useful for those studying or working in policy, politics and international relations, environmental issues, business management, philosophy, history and sociology."

Technological innovation is the most politically palatable avenue for governments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It avoids less palatable alternatives, such as regulating social behaviour. However, technological innovation in advanced, liberal capitalist states such as Australia is the product of the interaction of science possibilities with market demands, and is primarily reliant on the choices of profit‐seeking corporations. Therefore, interviews were conducted with key office‐holders in Australia's most carbon‐intensive industry sectors. The perspectives they offered challenge the conventional wisdom that Australian business desires less government intervention. Instead, corporate representatives expressed a desire for stronger, clearer and more strategic long‐term government support. This is because a liberal economic basis for capitalism in Australia means government, more than the market, is central for climate innovation as opposed to normal market innovation.