The Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna: Examining State Behavior under Binding and Nonbinding Accords
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Date
2008
Authors
Boom, Katherine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Oregon
Abstract
In the relatively young realm of international environmental politics, there is a great deal
to learn about the most effective and efficient ways in which to mitigate the world's increasing
number of environmental problems. Treaties have proven to be a popular mechanism for
addressing many of these issues, yet though the number of international environmental treaties
has grown significantly in recent years, relatively little work is being done to evaluate whether or
not these supposed solutions are in fact effective. In many ways, this analysis is as important as
the establishment of treaties themselves, because without it, it is difficult to know if progress has
been made. Or, if progress is obvious, it is difficult to know what has caused it. Furthermore, it is
important to know not only which agreements are effective, but why. Knowing which elements
of an agreement positively influence actors' behavior, and under which circumstances and
conditions, not only allows us to adjust techniques to better improve the situation at hand, it
allows for other environmental problems to be addressed more effectively. In light of this, this
paper will assess the effectiveness of a specific treaty, The Convention for the Conservation of
Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT), and how the factors influencing behavior in tuna regulation
can contribute to theoretical knowledge of international treaty effectiveness. Specifically, in
exploring whether the CCSBT influenced member behavior, I will examine the effectiveness of
nonbinding agreements, assessing whether an accord needs to be legally binding in order to
effectively influence actors' behavior.
Description
Awarded $1,000 in the 2009 Undergraduate Research Award scholarship competition. 23 p. Paper versions also available for check out or consultation in the University of Oregon's library.