Russia and the politics of international environmental regimes : environmental encounters or foreign policy?
Anna Korppoo, senior research fellow, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway ; Nina Tynkkynen, senior research fellow, University of Tampere, Finland and Geir Hønneland, research professor and deputy director, Fridtjof Nansen Institute, Norway
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. -- '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).
