Economic exclusion: Should the EU refuse trade deals in the interest of climate change?

Abstract

ESAANZ ESSAY PRIZE WINNER

An analysis of European economic trade policy and its role in international diplomacy on climate change. This accounts for both the objective financial benefits and incentives of preferential trading agreements as well as the influence of these deals on wider foreign relations. The findings of this paper are that withholding trade agreements to encourage or coerce similar progressive causes such as demilitarisation are highly limited in their impact, and that many of the causes of this outcome apply equally to climate issues. A loose explanation of how trade agreements and the associated diplomatic relationships which accompany them could be utilised to promote better environmental practices is also provided, based on the economic conditions of countries and communities involved. Trade progression with a focus on achievable climate goals is found to be far more beneficial than an exclusionary approach by the EU.