Environmental issues — Realism vs Liberalism

How do liberals view environmental security?

As a global political challenge that affects all states and requires international cooperation and governance.

Why do liberals support supranational environmental action?

Environmental problems cross borders and cannot be effectively solved by states acting alone.

How do liberals view international climate agreements?

They are necessary mechanisms for collectively addressing environmental challenges.

How do realists view environmental security?

As an important aspect of state survival and a responsibility of individual states.

How might environmental change increase conflict according to realism?

Climate change can intensify competition for scarce resources, potentially leading to conflict.

How do realists view global climate agreements?

They may be designed by powerful states to protect their own interests.

What is the key environmental disagreement between realism and liberalism?

Liberals emphasise cooperation and global governance, while realists emphasise state survival, competition and self-interest.