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Symbolische Umweltpolitik im Zeitalter der Globalisierung? – Zur Effektivität Internationaler Umweltverträge aus Ökonomischer Sicht

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  • Alfred Endres
  • Michael Finus
  • Frank Lobigs

Abstract

This article investigates the efficacy of international environmental agreements (IEAs). It reviews approaches from the political sciences and from economics to measure the efficacy of historical IEAs. It is argued that the current literature is deficient in many respects but that by appropriate extensions an “ideal” method of measurement could be constructed, conceptually. However, due to prohibitive information costs this ideal method is not employed in this article. Instead, we use a simple “theoretical pre‐check”: We design a basic model which we believe captures the main forces at work in international pollution control. With respect to all possible assumptions underlying this model we choose those which are the most favourable ones regarding the stability and efficacy of an IEA. For these ideal assumptions we derive a necessary condition for the effectiveness of an IEA. Subsequently, we check a large set of existing IEAs to find that no IEA satisfies this condition. This result leads us to discuss the question why IEAs are signed at all if they do not depart from the status sine pacta. It is public choice theory which helps to solve this puzzle.

Suggested Citation

  • Alfred Endres & Michael Finus & Frank Lobigs, 2000. "Symbolische Umweltpolitik im Zeitalter der Globalisierung? – Zur Effektivität Internationaler Umweltverträge aus Ökonomischer Sicht," Perspektiven der Wirtschaftspolitik, Verein für Socialpolitik, vol. 1(1), pages 73-91, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:perwir:v:1:y:2000:i:1:p:73-91
    DOI: 10.1111/1468-2516.00006
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James C. Murdoch & Todd Sandler, 1997. "Voluntary Cutbacks and Pretreaty Behavior: the Helsinki Protocol and Sulfur Emissions," Public Finance Review, , vol. 25(2), pages 139-162, March.
    2. Nick Hanley & Henk Folmer (ed.), 1998. "Game Theory and the Environment," Books, Edward Elgar Publishing, number 1083, March.
    3. Evans, Robert & Maskin, Eric, 1989. "Efficient renegotiation--proof equilibria in repeated games," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 1(4), pages 361-369, December.
    4. Farrell, Joseph & Maskin, Eric, 1989. "Renegotiation in repeated games," Games and Economic Behavior, Elsevier, vol. 1(4), pages 327-360, December.
    5. Finus, Michael & Rundshagen, Bianca, 1998. "Toward a Positive Theory of Coalition Formation and Endogenous Instrumental Choice in Global Pollution Control," Public Choice, Springer, vol. 96(1-2), pages 145-186, July.
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    1. Mittendorf, Marcus & Sell, Friedrich L., 2002. "Die Ergebnisse des Bonner Klimagipfels: Strategisches Verhandeln unter den Bedingungen globaler Umweltgüter," Working Papers in Economics 2002,2, Bundeswehr University Munich, Economic Research Group.

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