International Relations, Biodiversity Loss, And The United States
- ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
- Kayla Marie Young (Creator)
- Institution
- Appalachian State University (ASU )
- Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/
- Advisor
- Renee Scherlen
Abstract: Biodiversity is an environmental cache that has been maintained and developed globally over thousands of years. However, biodiversity loss is an international environmental issue that is increasingly threatening the countless ecosystem services and stabilizing abilities of biologically diverse ecosystems. The drivers of biodiversity loss are largely anthropogenic and transboundary, and without a concerted and coordinated global effort, it is likely that current ecosystem services and a diverse planet will be lost to future generations. While this issue has been recognized by the global community through multilateral environmental agreements, the United States has consistently refrained from engaging in these efforts. This paper seeks to explore the current trend of United States participation in multilateral efforts to address biodiversity loss, as well as the implications of its actions. This paper analyzes the United States’ engagement, or lack thereof, using the liberal and constructivist theories of international relations to examine the negative consequences of the United States’ current strategy of participation. This is especially important when considering the redistribution of power in the international system from unipolarity to multipolarity, in which the United States may no longer maintain a disproportionate share of power. In general, the United States’ lack of engagement in global environmental efforts is likely to negatively affect its ability to achieve future foreign policy goals, suggesting a strong motivation for the United States to assess and alter its current engagement strategy in biodiversity agreements.
International Relations, Biodiversity Loss, And The United States
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Created on 1/23/2017
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Additional Information
- Publication
- Honors Project
- Young, K. (2016). International Relations, Biodiversity Loss, And The United States. Unpublished Honors Thesis. Appalachian State University, Boone, NC.
- Language: English
- Date: 2016
- Keywords
- biodiversity loss, multicultural environmental agreements, US engagement, international relations