International climate politics: power, justice and cooperation

This course explores the global politics of climate change and the challenges of achieving international cooperation to combat global warming. We will examine how competing state interests, economic constraints, and ethical concerns shape multilateral negotiations under the global climate regime. Drawing on major theories of International Relations including realism, liberalism, constructivism and critical theory, this course links theoretical ideas to real-world diplomacy through regional case studies from the EU, US, China and medium and low-income economies. The final session simulates a UN climate summit, allowing you to debate, negotiate, and experience the dynamics of global climate governance.