Title

Is consensus necessary for effective environmental treaties?

Abstract

All environmental issues have the possibility for both violence and peaceful resolution. Peaceful resolution is usually found through treaties. It is generally believed that treaties will be more effective when parties reach a high degree of consensus. However, it is not clear whether consensus is necessary for effective environmental treaties. This article presents variables on problem and solution representation that affect consensus as understood in political science, psychology, and cross-cultural communication. This article suggests the conditions under which consensus can lead to effective treaties. A typology is created, and several case studies are presented. The analysis indicates that there is a relationship between consensus and effectiveness. Treaty-making bodies that achieve a higfor level of consensus do tend to draft more effective treaties. However, evidence suggest that it may not be as important for the parties to agree as to understand each other's concerns on a given issue.

Department(s)

Political Science

Document Type

Article

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1177/107049659800700403

Publication Date

1-1-1998

Journal Title

Journal of Environment and Development

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