International Environmental Law and Emotional Rational Choice

Authors

Peter H. Huang, University of Colorado Law SchoolFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication

The Journal of Legal Studies

Year

2002

Citation Information

Peter H. Huang, International Environmental Law and Emotional Rational Choice, 31 J. Legal Stud. S237 (2002), available at https://scholar.law.colorado.edu/faculty-articles/553.

Abstract

This paper considers how emotions can foster compliance by rational actors with international environmental law. Many environmental issues are highly emotionally charged. Both supporters of and opponents to international environmental law often feel very strongly about their positions and views. A psychological game-theoretic model focuses on the disciplinary role that losing face may play in compliance with international environmental law. This model implies that non-compliance, especially by high-profile international actors, should be highly and swiftly publicized upon detection and verification. The model also explains why actors care so much about soft, that is, non-binding international environmental law, such as international environmental declarations, protocols, or resolutions.

Comments

"@ 2002 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved."

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