This paper examines whether neo-Gramscian perspectives can explain the genesis of the three market mechanisms in the international climate regime, which are emissions trading, the Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI).
As far as I know no other article examined exactly this question before. After the description of the theory and a short introduction of these tools with their advantages and drawbacks, the history of the market mechanisms is explained in order to see whether the case goes hand in hand with the neo-Gramscian perspectives. The result is that these approaches can perfectly explain the genesis of the market mechanisms although a very little number of facts could maybe better explained with a governmentality approach.
Table of Contents
3. Introduction
4. Neo-Gramscian Perspectives
5. The market mechanisms in the international climate regime
6. Carbon trading in neo-Gramscian perspectives
7. Conclusion
Objectives and Core Themes
This paper explores whether neo-Gramscian theoretical perspectives can effectively explain the historical genesis and institutional emergence of the three primary market mechanisms within the international climate regime: emissions trading, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI).
- Application of neo-Gramscian theory to international climate policy.
- Analysis of the influence of transnational social forces and capitalist modes of production.
- Evaluation of the role of state and institutional lobbying in the creation of carbon markets.
- Critique of market-based solutions and their neoliberal ideological foundations.
- Investigation into the influence of NNSAs (Non-Nation-State Actors) on climate negotiations.
Excerpt from the Book
4. Neo-Gramscian Perspectives
According to critical authors the mainstream IR-theories like Realism or Institutionalism were not any more able to give answers for the structural changes of the 1970s, so that neo-Gramscian theories have been developed at the beginning of the 1980s (Bieler/Morton 2006: 354). Probably the most popular theorist in this field is Robert Cox, whose article “Social Forces, States and World Orders: Beyond International Relations Theory” (Cox 1981) is very often cited. There are also other important neo-Gramscian authors like Stephen Gill, Kees van der Pijl and Henk Overbeek, whose approaches differ from Cox in certain aspects (Bieler/Morton 2006: 367). But as Cox can be seen as the initiator, the following depiction relies mainly on him and especially on his just mentioned article from 1981.
Cox counts his theory among critical theory, which calls the prevailing order and institutions into question and analyses the social, economic and political structures as a whole and not only different parts of it like mainstream IR-theories do, which Cox calls problem-solving theory (Cox 1981: 129). In contrast to the work of Antonio Gramsci, on which neo-Gramscian theories are mainly based on, the point of interest is not so much the Western state but rather transnational relations and therefore a critique of global capitalism is being built (Bieler/Morton 2006: 355).
In order to illustrate the neo-Gramscian perspectives, the concept of hegemony shall be explained at first. Hegemony in the sense of Gramsci means, that power of the ruling class is not exerted coercively by the apparatus of the state, but that it relies on consent with certain institutions and with the majority of civil society (Overbeek 2000: 173). The support through material capabilities and especially the acceptance of ideological and moral elements by a wide range of actors is very important for a hegemonial consensus (Bieler/Morton 2006: 357; Overbeek 2000: 173-174).
Summary of Chapters
3. Introduction: This chapter contextualizes global climate change challenges and introduces the three flexible climate mechanisms, identifying the need for a neo-Gramscian theoretical lens to address deficiencies in global governance theory.
4. Neo-Gramscian Perspectives: This section delineates the core tenets of neo-Gramscian theory, specifically focusing on the concepts of hegemony, historical structures, and the interaction between social forces, state forms, and world orders.
5. The market mechanisms in the international climate regime: This chapter provides an introduction to emissions trading, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI), discussing their intended economic logic and associated criticisms.
6. Carbon trading in neo-Gramscian perspectives: This chapter applies the previously defined theoretical framework to the historical development of carbon trading, illustrating how capitalist modes of production and lobby groups influenced the policy outcomes.
7. Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that the genesis of market-based climate mechanisms is deeply rooted in the ideological and material power structures described by neo-Gramscian theory.
Keywords
Neo-Gramscian perspectives, Carbon Trading, Climate Regime, Hegemony, Capitalist Production, Emissions Trading, Clean Development Mechanism, Joint Implementation, Social Forces, Global Capitalism, Transnational Relations, Neoliberalism, Corporate Lobbying, Historical Structures, Climate Governance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper examines the historical and theoretical origins of market-based mechanisms within the international climate regime through the lens of neo-Gramscian political theory.
What are the central themes discussed in the work?
The work centers on the relationship between global capital accumulation, the influence of corporate and industrial lobbying, and the adoption of neoliberal climate policies by states and international institutions.
What is the primary research objective?
The goal is to determine if neo-Gramscian perspectives can offer a comprehensive explanation for the creation and dominance of flexible mechanisms like carbon trading in international climate politics.
Which methodology is applied in this study?
The author uses a qualitative, theory-driven approach, applying the historical materialism and hegemony concepts established by Robert Cox and Antonio Gramsci to analyze empirical events in climate policy.
What topics are covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body details the evolution of neo-Gramscian theory, the mechanics and criticisms of carbon market tools, and a historical review of climate negotiations starting from the Rio Earth Summit to the adoption of the Kyoto Protocol.
Which keywords best characterize this research?
The research is best described by terms such as Neo-Gramscianism, Carbon Trading, Hegemony, Climate Governance, and Transnational Capitalist Production.
How does the author characterize the influence of the 'business lobby' on climate policy?
The author argues that business lobbies act as a dominant social force that successfully aligned state interests with market-based solutions, effectively shaping international climate policy to maintain their own profitability.
Does the paper consider alternatives to the neo-Gramscian approach?
Yes, the paper acknowledges that while the neo-Gramscian perspective is powerful, some specific aspects of the negotiation process might be better explained by governmentality approaches, which focus on the practical and technical terms of governing.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Reinhold Uhlmann (Autor:in), 2009, Carbon Trading: Neo-Gramscian Perspectives on the Genesis of the Market Mechanisms in the International Climate Regime, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/208953
