Omgewingsvraagstukke as bepalende faktore in internasionale politieke verhoudinge : enkele empiriese voorbeelde

Abstract

The wellbeing of the natural environment grew in importance since the sixties, as being cardinal for man to exist. The environmental decline was regarded with deep concern even at international level, when it became evident that this deterioration will have an undeniable impact on international political relations. Therefor the purpose of this study is to try and pin point the nature of the influence that environmentally linked problems have on international political relations. The extent and results of above mentioned, regarding the international scene, will also be established. The analytical-descriptive method was used in the context of the historic-contemporary setting within which the questions addressed in this study, developed. It was attempted to highlight the problems surrounding the environmentally linked questions and international relations, with the aid of three case studies (which focus respectively on the dangers involved in the use of nuclear energy, the exploitation of natural resources, and the negative impact of overpopulation on the environment). Against the background of this information, an attempt to address these questions was made. To conclude this study, literature-analysis was the principal method of inquiry. Environmentally linked problems influence international political relations as follows: * The importance of interdependence and the relevance of theories such as pluralism, were being highlighted. * The changing nature of security was noticed. * A new spirit of international co-operation and trust was noted. * The necessity of regime-formation in addressing environmentally linked problems was realized. * The nature, extent and impact of these problems decided to a large extent the influence it was going to have on interstate relations. Regardless of a greater tendency for co-operation, national interest still plays a major role in states' decision making processes. * The North/South division already present, became even more pressing when these environmentally linked questions were raised.