The Rise of Cities as Catalysts for Effective Climate Action in a Post-Westphalian Landscape

Abstract

Globalization is a dynamic, transboundary force challenging the Westphalian model of state-dominated geopolitics that has dominated world affairs for nearly 400 years. Equally problematic to state-centric international relations is global climate change, an environmental calamity that is increasingly being recognized as a threat to state security, yet cannot be solved by traditional diplomatic or military means. Consequently, an array of sub-national actors are becoming more influential in all areas of global governance, including the management of the planet’s ecological commons. This paper explores how cities are following the trajectory of this trend to establish themselves as world leaders in formulating climate change agendas.