Environmental Impacts of Globalization and Trade: A Systems Study (Global Environmental Accord: Strategies for Sustainability and Institutional Innovation) [Hardcover]

Corey L. Lofdahl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 21, 2002 | Series: Global Environmental Accord: Strategies for Sustainability and Institutional Innovation

The relationship between trade and the environment has become an increasingly contentious issue between economists and environmentalists. Economists maintain that trade helps the natural environment because rich countries can better afford to protect their unspoiled areas. Environmentalists counter that the pursuit of national wealth drives global environmental degradation and that free trade accelerates the process.Instead of arguing one side or the other, this book uses new analytic methods, including a systems dynamics model, to seek an answer to the impasse. Using lateral pressure theory to account for politics within and among nations, it extends the theory's initial application (which was to explain the onset of war) to the environment by specifying additional connections between the natural and social spheres. In making explicit the complex causal connections between world trade and environmental degradation, the book finds that GNP increases in the rich, developed countries are linked to deforestation in the poorer, developing countries. It also uses insights derived from this finding to critique current trade policy prescriptions.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This intriguing study applies lateral pressure theory previously used to understand great-power wars to global North-South relations and the environmental consequences of free trade. Lofdahl's work is notable for its use of multiple methodologies to analyze complex systems."--Joshua S. Goldstein, Professor of International Relations, American University

"Lofdahl asks a bold question and chooses an uncommon path to find an answer. He shows an admirable command of the literature and impressive mastery of a wide range of analytic methods. And all this is presented through the clearest writing I have seen in years." Brian M. Pollins , The Mershon Center and Department of Political Science, Ohio State University

"Lofdahl asks a bold question and chooses an uncommon path to find an answer. He shows an admirable command of the literature and impressive mastery of a wide range of analytic methods. And all this is presented through the clearest writing I have seen in years."--Brian M. Pollins, The Mershon Center and Department of Political Science, The Ohio State University

"In an era of increasingly micro-based literature, it is refreshing that there are still international relations scholars who attempt to theorize the international system as a whole. In this highly innovative study, Lofdahl brings sophisticated statistical and simulation techniques to bear on complex policy issues prompted by the process of globalization. His provocative conclusions challenge the orthodox view that free trade always benefits the global environment and the Third World."--Lars-Erik Cederman, Department of Government, Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University

About the Author

Corey L. Lofdahl is a Consulting Engineer for IGEN Corporation in Carlisle, Massachusetts.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 275 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (March 21, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262122456
• ISBN-13: 978-0262122450
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,331,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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