Post Negotiation Impasses in the Environmental Domain. The Influence of Some Political and Economic Factors on Environmental Treaty Acceptance

Korula, A. (1992). Post Negotiation Impasses in the Environmental Domain. The Influence of Some Political and Economic Factors on Environmental Treaty Acceptance. IIASA Working Paper. IIASA, Laxenburg, Austria: WP-92-086

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Abstract

This paper assesses some of the implications of certain national economic and political factors on the likelihood and degree of treaty acceptance (ratification, accession, etc.) in the post-agreement negotiation period. The purpose of the study is to analyze the problem of delays in treaty acceptance with a view to suggesting how the negotiation and post-negotiation processes may be restructured so as to facilitate acceptance. The aim is to draw conclusions that have implications for policy making-to highlight what it is in the treaties themselves or in the conditions surrounding them that cause delays in acceptance and subsequent implementation.

International environmental agreements entered into by European countries between 1972-1992 are examined in this context. The data set includes 61 multilateral treaties, and the independent sovereign state is the unit of analysis.

A literature review identifies what has been done in this area and enables focus on a few specific questions.

The following types of variables are operationalized and measured in the study.

Dependent Variable: The extent of ratification problems. Measure: Average years to ratify (from adoption to entry into force).

Independent Variables: (i) Issue saliency. Measure: R&D expenditure on environmental protection; (ii) Popular pressure. Measure: Public concern on environmental issues at the local, national and international level; (iii) National wealth. Measure: GDP/capita; (iv) Quality of life. Measure: Human Development Index.

This paper provides data on the initial step of the post-negotiation or post-agreement cycle, namely acceptance, so as to suggest further directions for investigation and to provide the background for a next phase of research on the behavioral implementation and compliance that follow on acceptance.

Some alternatives to ratification discussed in the literature are also presented.

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