Asymmetric Environmental Governance in Azerbaijan: Oil Pollution and Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Authoritarian governments are willing to address environmental problems that have an international impact, such as CO2 emissions, but are reluctant to address problems that have only a domestic impact. This book examines why this is the case and provides a case study of Azerbaijani oil politics. It argues that resource-rich authoritarian governments are eager to join international environmental initiatives to improve their image, but they address domestic environmental issues mainly if they threaten their hold on power. This book is an important contribution to scholarship on environmental governance in the post-Soviet space and will be of interest to researchers, scholars, policymakers, and international organizations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 16 September 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book delves into the intriguing phenomenon of authoritarian governments facing contrasting approaches to addressing environmental issues that have both international and domestic implications. Through a case study of Azerbaijani oil politics, it sheds light on how the incumbent Azerbaijani regime has taken significant steps to address carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, while simultaneously disregarding the detrimental effects of oil pollution on the Caspian coast. The book argues that resource-rich authoritarian governments are driven by a desire to enhance their international image and participate in global environmental initiatives, but they prioritize addressing domestic environmental issues solely when they pose a threat to their hold on power.

This book makes a substantial contribution to the field of environmental governance in the post-Soviet space, a domain that has been relatively understudied. As such, it is a must-read for researchers and scholars interested in post-Soviet studies, as well as in the intricate interplay between mineral-rich regions and the formation of social policies, encompassing areas such as environment, education, and healthcare. Moreover, this book holds immense relevance for policymakers and international organizations as it delves into the motivations behind authoritarian states in the post-Soviet space to adopt environmental measures.

The book begins by exploring the theoretical framework that underpins the study, highlighting the factors that influence authoritarian governments' decision-making processes regarding environmental issues. It then proceeds to examine the case study of Azerbaijani oil politics, providing a detailed account of the country's oil industry and its environmental challenges. The book highlights the incumbent Azerbaijani regime's efforts to address CO2 emissions through various policies and initiatives, such as the establishment of renewable energy sources and the promotion of energy efficiency.

However, the book also points out the regime's reluctance to address the damage caused by oil pollution on the Caspian coast, despite the significant ecological and health risks associated with it. The book argues that this reluctance is driven by a combination of factors, including the regime's dependence on oil revenues, its political interests, and the lack of effective environmental regulation and enforcement.

The book further explores the implications of this contrasting approach to environmental governance for both the Azerbaijani regime and the broader post-Soviet space. It argues that while authoritarian governments may be motivated by a desire to improve their international image, their actions often undermine domestic environmental protection and human well-being. Moreover, the book suggests that international organizations and policymakers should be more cautious in engaging with resource-rich authoritarian governments, as their interests may not align with global environmental goals.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable insight into the complex dynamics between authoritarian governments, environmental issues, and international relations. It sheds light on the motivations behind authoritarian governments' contrasting approaches to addressing international and domestic environmental challenges. Through its case study of Azerbaijani oil politics, the book provides a practical example of how resource-rich authoritarian governments can prioritize their interests over environmental protection. As such, it is a must-read for researchers, scholars, policymakers, and international organizations interested in understanding the complex interplay
relationships between mineral-rich regions, social policy, and environmental governance in the post-Soviet space.

Weight: 355g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030821180
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021