Abstract
This chapter deals with the challenge of policy definition, cooperation and coordination in a complex system of multi-level governance faced by decision-makers in international politics today, using the example of international climate governance. The practical, as well as the analytical challenge, of said system of multi-level governance lies in its dynamic structure, which includes the vertical (i.e. domestic and foreign; subnational, national, and international) and horizontal levels (structure of decision-making processes in international institutions) of international politics, the participation of non-state actors, and the inter-linkages and interdependencies between all policy fields and levels involved. More often than not, intentions and interests on the different levels are disparate and difficult to harmonise, which can result in less than ideal policy strategies, are likely to “get lost” in the multi-level governance system. International climate governance and the difficulties with institutionalising an all-encompassing climate protection strategy can be seen as an example of a policy field that is “lost in multi-level governance.” This will be illustrated in the following chapter by analysing five dimensions of climate governance and how they hamper successful climate governance—and thus climate protection—at the international level.
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Notes
- 1.
There is neither a clear definition nor a general typology of multi-level governance. There is also no theory which can explain the structural characteristics, functioning or effect of multi-level governance (Benz 2007). Despite this, the discussion of the concept in the social sciences is continually increasing. For a proposal regarding the construction of a theory, see Scharpf (2001). On the problem of the transferability of the concept that stems from European research to a global context and the potential which the concept possesses, see Brunnengräber et al.’s anthology (Brunnengräber et al. 2008aa). For a first approach to multi-level climate governance and the basis for this article, see Brunnengräber (2007).
- 2.
For example, the expected “migration flows” are to be prevented in good time, if necessary using military means, as is stated in the so-called Pentagon or Solana study (Schwartz and Randall 2003, European Commission 2008).
- 3.
This becomes a problem if the ability to articulate local, national and global questions varies. Local environmental problems can be “externalised” and become a “Nimby syndrome.”
- 4.
Regarding multi-level governance, Benz focuses on non-hierarchical, network-like structures, but also notes that the definitions to date, which stem primarily from the context of European institution research, are inadequate for further-reaching differentiations (Benz 2004: 144).
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Brunnengräber, A. (2013). Multi-Level Climate Governance: Strategic Selectivities in International Politics. In: Knieling, J., Leal Filho, W. (eds) Climate Change Governance. Climate Change Management. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-29831-8_5
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