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The effect of the accountability system in promoting environmental conflict governance: an evolutionary game analysis

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  • Rong Wu

    (Central South University)

  • Shuang Ling

    (Zhongnan University of Economics and Law)

Abstract

China’s environmental policy initially centered on supervising enterprises, but this approach proved ineffective as pollution issues persisted and numerous environmental protests arose. However, after environmental policy shifted its focus to “supervising government,” environmental pollution and conflict began diminishing. This research investigates how the “supervising government”-oriented accountability system can impact stakeholder strategic decision-making in environmental conflicts. The study offers valuable insights by employing principal-agent theory to analyze stakeholder behavioral strategies, developing an evolutionary game model to evaluate evolutionary stable strategies (ESS) within an accountability context, and examining the accountability system’s influence on various stakeholders. The findings suggest that the Chinese-style environmental accountability system, emphasizing “supervising government,” effectively shapes stakeholder strategy choices. This system fosters local government’s adoption of stringent environmental regulations through political incentive and reputation mechanisms, motivates polluting enterprises to comply with emission standards through a punishment mechanism, and encourages neighborhood residents to opt for institutionalized protests through a responsive mechanism.

Suggested Citation

  • Rong Wu & Shuang Ling, 2025. "The effect of the accountability system in promoting environmental conflict governance: an evolutionary game analysis," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 27(3), pages 7727-7756, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:endesu:v:27:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s10668-023-04218-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-04218-5
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