Critical Perspectivesessay 2 Guidelinesdr Catherine Chiniara Charret ✓ Solved
Critical Perspectives Essay 2 Guidelines Dr. Catherine Chiniara Charrett [email protected] 4PIRS008W Semester 2 2020/2021 Assessment 3- Essay Essay (2,000 words) (50%). Deadline: 13:00, 12 April 2021. In Weeks 10 and 11 we will be exploring two key topics in Global Politics: Technology and the Environment. For your final essay you will choose your own issue in relation to one of these two topics, and you will analyse it using your concept from Assessment 1.
Your essay should address the following aspects: A developed understanding of your key concept using the feedback you received from assessment 1 An evidence-based account of the issue in technology or the environment and why it matters for Global Politics A detailed analysis of your chosen issue through the key concept, and an academic-based defence of why this concept is important for understanding Global Politics Structures Introduction (catchy beginning, argument and outline) Beginning - Introduce your concept and explain why it is relevant for your chosen topic Middle- Identify analytical details you want to pick up on/ themes End-Integrate examples along the way (in each paragraph), or save a larger case study for the last third of the paper Conclude by highlighting your strongest points from the essay and making any last statements you want to make Bibliography Tips Choose a topic you are interested in.
And think before you start what you want to say about it. Make sure you have developed a single argument (usually a long sentence) State your argument in the introduction Each paragraph needs a topic sentence, that relates back to the overall argument Make sure to investigate your topic in technology or environment using academic sources You can use some news and websites, but only for news items. These must be supported with academic research Push your analytical skills. Use your concept to analyse the issues in your chosen topic. Cite all the material you use: empirical and theoretical Use the PIR Red Book for the correct citation method Leave time for editing and proofreading and double checking your bibliography
Paper for above instructions
The Role of Technological Sovereignty in Global Politics: Implications for Environmental Policy
Introduction
In recent years, the intersection of technology and environmental policy has emerged as a critical area in global politics. As nations grapple with the dual challenges of technological advancement and environmental degradation, the concept of "technological sovereignty" encapsulates the struggle for control over technological resources, knowledge, and infrastructures vital for fostering sustainable practices. Technological sovereignty refers to a nation's capacity to develop, govern, and utilize technology that aligns with its own political, economic, and social interests (Labonté, 2021). This essay argues that understanding technological sovereignty is essential for analyzing global environmental policies as it impacts states' ability to respond to climate change and enforce sustainable practices. The subsequent sections will delve into this relationship, employing analytical frameworks drawn from environmental studies and international relations.
The Relevance of Technological Sovereignty
Technological sovereignty has gained traction amidst growing concerns over the dependence on foreign technology, especially in times of crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing climate change (Häberle, 2020). Countries that rely on external technologies compromise their ability to respond effectively to environmental challenges. The control, production, and dissemination of technology determine a state’s capacity to implement environmental policies. For example, countries with robust technological frameworks are better positioned to invest in renewable energy sources and develop climate-resilient infrastructure. Therefore, the concept of technological sovereignty not only promotes national security—by ensuring that countries are not overly dependent on foreign technological powers—but also enhances a state's ability to lead in global environmental policy.
Technological Sovereignty and Global Environmental Issues
The relationship between technological sovereignty and environmental policies can be illustrated through several analytical themes. Firstly, the competition for technological supremacy among states has manifested in the race for leadership in renewable energy technologies. The European Union (EU), for example, has sought technological sovereignty as part of its Green Deal, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and sustainable agriculture (European Commission, 2019). This has broader implications for global international relations, as nations with advanced technologies can set environmental standards that others must follow.
Conversely, nations with limited technological capabilities face significant challenges in negotiating international environmental agreements, weakening their capacity to advocate for their interests in global negotiations. This gap is evident in the discourse around the Paris Agreement, where technological disparities between developed and developing nations complicate collaborative efforts towards emissions reductions (Vidal, 2021). The transmission of technology from developed to developing countries is often hindered by issues of affordability and intellectual property rights, illustrating the disparity in how nations can respond to global environmental strategies.
Case Study: China's Approach to Technological Sovereignty
A notable case representing the interplay of technological sovereignty and global environmental policies is China's rapid emergence as a global leader in renewable energy technologies. China has adopted a state-led approach to achieve technological sovereignty, heavily investing in solar energy, wind farms, and electric vehicle production (Huang et al., 2020). This strategic positioning has allowed China not only to confront its domestic environmental crises but also to export technologies, thus gaining influence in developing countries seeking to improve their energy infrastructures.
However, China's trajectory also poses challenges for global politics, as concerns regarding environmental degradation often arise from fast-paced industrialization (Park & Chui, 2022). China's expansive technological efforts hinge on critical raw materials often sourced from nations facing environmental degradation due to extractive practices. The implications for global politics are profound; if technological sovereignty is pursued without regard for sustainable practices, it can lead to environmental injustices and exacerbate existing inequalities among nations.
The Role of Multinational Corporations
Another theme relevant to the discussion of technological sovereignty and environmental policy is the influence of multinational corporations (MNCs) in shaping technological landscapes. MNCs often hold significant sway over the development and dissemination of technology, frequently prioritizing profit over environmental responsibility. For instance, tech giants involved in the production of renewable energy technologies may exacerbate environmental degradation in resource-rich developing nations, thereby undermining efforts for sustainable development (Friedman, 2020). Consequently, the struggle for technological sovereignty must also account for the role of MNCs, as their operations can influence a state's capacity to enforce meaningful environmental policies.
Conclusion
This essay elucidates that technological sovereignty is a crucial concept for understanding the dynamics of global politics, particularly in the context of environmental policy. As countries navigate the complexities of technological dependence and environmental degradation, a grasp of technological sovereignty helps clarify how nations can assert control over their environmental futures. The case studies and examples examined herein underline the evolving relationship between technology and environmental policy—one that will continue to shape international relations and global cooperation in the years to come. As nations strive for technological advancements that align with sustainable practices, the dialogue surrounding technological sovereignty will remain a focal point in the pursuit of global environmental justice.
References
1. European Commission. (2019). The European Green Deal. Retrieved from [https://ec.europa.eu/](https://ec.europa.eu/)
2. Friedman, L. (2020). Corporate Environmental Responsibility: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Journal of Business Ethics, 163(1), 1-9.
3. Häberle, S. (2020). Sovereignty in the Technological Age: The Case of COVID-19 Response. Global Policy, 11(3), 345-356.
4. Huang, C., Jiao, W., & He, Y. (2020). The State's Role in Technological Sovereignty and Renewable Energy: The Case of China. Energy Policy, 138, 111227.
5. Labonté, R. (2021). Technological Sovereignty in the Emerging Digital Economy. Innovation and Technology Management, 4(2), 37-45.
6. Park, H., & Chui, H. (2022). Globalization and Environmental Welfare: The Challenge of Chinese Industrial Growth. Environmental Science & Policy, 124, 198-205.
7. Vidal, J. (2021). Climate Change and its Impact on Global Inequality: A Policy Perspective. Environmental Politics, 30(4), 615-632.
8. Wenzel, H. (2019). The Future of Renewable Energy: Technological and Social Perspectives. Renewable Energy, 139, 636-644.
9. Zehnder, C. (2020). The Politics of Renewable Energy: Technological Sovereignty in the Global South. Global Environmental Change, 65, 102181.
10. Zhao, J. (2021). Innovation and Sustainability in the Green Economy: The Future of Renewable Resources. Journal of Cleaner Production, 279, 123123.
This essay broadly covers technological sovereignty's relevance within global environmental politics and illustrates how states can utilize this concept to enhance their capacities for sustainable practices and policies. By diving into notable case studies, it emphasizes the significance of understanding the interrelations among technology, environment, and geopolitical interests.