Green theory is a
theory of
International Relations (IR). In contrast to mainstream theories of IR, it posits
environmental issues as central to the study of international relations. According to green theory, mainstream theories like
neorealism and
neoliberalism fail to understand environmental problems through their
rationalist and state-centric frameworks of analysis. Green theory focuses on the study of
global justice,
international development,
modernization, and
security.[1] Green perspectives in IR emerged in the 1970s as a response to the increase of
transnational issues related to the environment. By the end of the 20th century, green theory had established itself within the discipline.[2] Green theory aligns itself with
postpositivism that emerged from the so-called third (or fourth)
debate of IR. The theory can be divided into an
International political economy (IPE) oriented wing and a
cosmopolitan wing.[3] Initially, the IPE wing,[4] mainly interested in environmental
regimes,[3] was stronger, but subsequently many cosmopolitan theorists, like
David Held,
Andrew Linklater,
Henry Shue, and
Thomas Pogge, have made contributions related to environmental issues.[4]
Eckersley, Robyn (2007).
"Green Theory"(PDF). In Dunne, Tim; Kurki, Milja; Smith, Steve (eds.). International Relations Theories: Discipline and Diversity. Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 247–265.
ISBN978-0-19-929833-4. Archived from
the original(PDF) on October 15, 2012.
Further reading
Dyer, Hugh C. (2017). "Green Theory". In McGlinchey, Stephen; Walters, Rosie; Scheinpflug, Christian (eds.).
International Relations Theory(PDF). Bristol: E-International Relations. pp. 84–90.
ISBN978-1-910814-20-8.
Lawson, Stephanie (2015). "Green Theory". Theories of International Relations: Contending Approaches to World Politics. Cambridge: Polity Press.
ISBN978-0-7456-9513-6.
Paterson, Matthew; Doran, Peter; Barry, John (2010). "Green Theory". In Hay, C.; Lister, M.; Marsh, D. (eds.). The State: Theories and Issues. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 135–154.
ISBN978-0-230-80227-8.
Paterson, Matthew (2013). "Green Politics". In Burchill, Scott; Linklater, Andrew (eds.). Theories of International Relations (5th ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 266–290.
ISBN978-1-137-31136-8.
Steans, Jill; Pettiford, Lloyd; Diez, Thomas; El-Anis, Imad (2010). "Green Perspectives". An Introduction to International Relations Theory: Perspectives and Themes (3rd ed.). New York: Routledge.
ISBN978-1-317-86299-4.
Tienhaara, Kyla; Downie, Christian (2019). "Green Theory and the G20". In Slaughter, Steven (ed.). The G20 and International Relations Theory. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar Publishing. pp. 183–209.
ISBN978-1-78643-265-0.
Vogler, John (2020). "Environmental Issues". In Baylis, John; Smith, Steve; Owens, Patricia (eds.). The Globalization of World Politics: An Introduction to International Relations (8th ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp. 387–403.
ISBN978-0-19-882554-8.