Interdependence

Interdependence

mutual reliance between actors in the international system, such as states, organizations and individuals

Types of Interdependence:

1. Economic - trade, investment

2. Political - diplomacy (states collaborate on issues), institutions (UN), eg: Paris Climate Agreement requires collective action

3. Social and Cultural - migration, communication (technology)

How does realist view Interdependance?

• with skepticism, highlighting vulnerabilities

• Argues that states prioritize security and may exploit dependencies

• Eg: Russia’s use of energy exports as a tool of political leverage

COP link to interdependance

• Climate change is a global issue that cannot be solved by a single state = interdependance, so states must cooperate

• COP provides a forum for 200 countries to meet, negotiate and set common goals

• Shared frameworks (NDCs) provided by the IGOs keep states accountable

• Sets the standard and promotes awareness for the general public

COP weaknesses 

• despite states joining IGOs, still remain sovereign and may not choose to comply or prioritise national interests over collective goals 

• EG: many states submit weak NDC or miss deadlines, making it difficult to reach the target of staying under 1.5 

• Lack of binding enforcement - no mechanism to penalise states 

US impact on success of COP

• US is one of the biggest polluters and economies

• When US supports climate action progress moves faster

• When it pulls back, other states feel less compelled to act

• This undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of UN-led processes

Realist view of COP

• realist would believe that states act only in their own national interest

• The lack of binding enforcement reflects the belief that in an anarchic system states will nto subordinate their sovereignty unless necessary

• Major power often use COP as a platform for strategic positioning

Broader view of COP in global politicss

• global issues like climate change need global cooperation 

• the targets become ineffective without real enforcement 

• Big powers shape outcomes 

• States act in their own interest, so effective cooperation has to align with national priorities