UBC Press International Ecopolitical Theory: Critical Approaches

The global community’s ability to deal effectively withenvironmental problems is contingent on the successful integration ofinternational relations theory with ecological thought. Yet, while mostscholars and policymakers recognize the connection between these twointerrelated branches of study, no substantial dialogue exists betweenthem. This volume seeks to fill the lacuna with an originalsynthesis. International Ecopolitical Theory assembles some of the topthinkers in the field to provide an invaluable overview of the maincritical strands of theory in global environmental politics. By framingthe environmental question within a historical and philosophicalcontext, it highlights problems inherent in economistic and managerialapproaches to sustainable development policy. Emphasizing environmental consciousness as a cultural norm in anevolving set of global relations, it tackles important debates onnaturalism, foundationalism, and radical ecology. Ultimately, it makesa convincing case for the necessity of a critical internationalrelations theory duly informed by the paradoxes of ecologicalgovernance. With contributions from experts in political science,philosophy, ecology, history, geography, and systems theory, thiscollection will have an impact across many disciplines.