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Doctorat
Allemagne
2023
Challenges of Environmental Reform in Iran : A Theory-Based Analysis of Institutional Capacities, Domestic Debates, and International Cooperation
Titre : Challenges of Environmental Reform in Iran : A Theory-Based Analysis of Institutional Capacities, Domestic Debates, and International Cooperation
Auteur : Karimi Nemch Sofia
Université de soutenance : Technischen Universität Berlin
Grade : Doktor der Philosophie
Dr. phil. – 2023
Résumé
This dissertation investigates the incongruence of climate change mitigation and
environmental protection goals in the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) and the empirical track
record of the country in the respective fields.
Central concepts on paths towards environmental reform are analyzed against the case of
Iran : These are the theories of Ecological Modernization, environmental activism and social
movements, theories of the state and state-failure, and concepts of International
Environmental Governance. This research assesses the explanatory power of said concepts
for the challenges of environmental reform in the case of Iran and explores gaps in theory
building.
Through qualitative analyses of existing research and empirical data this dissertation argues
that to the above-mentioned paths of reasoning can be applied to conceptualize the
divergence between the environmental and climate protection vows in Iran and their
implementation record. However, to thoroughly explore the chasm between words and
actions in the Iranian case, additional factors should be considered. These prove to be rooted
in socially constructed norms and ideas, the evolving nature of statehood in Iran, and
historically shaped perceptions. These factors have been neglected in the current academic
debate and empirical assessment of Iran’s environmental and climate change mitigation
policies.
This study offers a conceptual framework for understanding the challenges of environmental
reform in Iran through a multi-level analysis where the interplay of the domestic and the
international level as well as ideational factors are centered. Through this investigation we
are better able to reflect on the limits of applicability of the existing canon of theories of
environmental reform outside of the Western context. At the same time this research
provides insight into ways to adequately appraise Iran’s behavior as an actor within
international environmental governance schemes vital to future global efforts of climate
change mitigation
Page publiée le 18 avril 2023