Russia and the Politics of International Environmental Regimes

Russia and the Politics of International Environmental Regimes is an important and timely analysis of Russia's interaction with the international environmental policy process. The three authors draw on a wealth of research experience working within the region in order to explore Russia s activities with respect to climate policy, water protection and fisheries management. Their detailed analysis provides an illuminating and much-needed insight into the interaction between Russian foreign and domestic policy goals and international environmental regimes operating at a range of scales.' - Jonathan Oldfield, University of Birmingham, UK'This is a timely contribution to our understanding of the motives behind, and results to be expected from, Russia's international environmental engagement. By focusing on climate change policy, Barents Sea fisheries, and regional seas protection in the Baltic, the authors judiciously conclude that trans-boundary environmental commitments are primarily the result of 'great power' concerns including domestic economic growth, regional trade, and a globally favorable image - not ecological conscience. The book represents a major step forward in post-Soviet foreign policy studies.' - David Feldman, University of California, Irvine, US 'This valuable book brings together the insights and research of three established scholars. Students new to the environmental aspects of Russia's international engagement will appreciate the clear and readable case studies. The findings and discussion that result from the authors' unique and rigorous cross-case comparison will be of great interest to scholars of Russia s foreign policy and environmental policy more broadly.' - Elana Wilson Rowe, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs Russia and the Politics of International Environmental Regimes examines the political relationship between Russia and other states in environmental matters. Based on detailed empirical analysis and data, including interviews and media sources, this groundbreaking book scrutinizes the dynamics of Russia's participation in international environmental politics. The authors explore three detailed case studies focusing on climate policy, water protection and fisheries management. They then recommend how best to negotiate with Russia on key environmental issues. This book will be of particular interest to scholars of environmental politics, international relations and Russian studies. Environmental policymakers will also find this to be a useful tool when looking to understand environmental politics within Russia. Contents: Preface 1. Introduction 2. Environmental Regimes and Russia's Approaches to Environmental and Foreign Policy 3. The Global Case: The Climate Regime 4. The Regional Case: Protecting the Environment of the Baltic Sea 5. The Bilateral Case: Fisheries Management in the Barents Sea 6. Discussion: Two levels of Discourses in Russian Environmental Policy 7. Conclusion: Environmental Encounters? References Index