Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1
PhD Student, in International Relations., Faculty of administrative sciences and economy, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
2
Associated Professor, Dep. of Political sciences, faculty of law and political sciences, university of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3
associated professor in International Relations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economy, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
4
Associated Professor, International Relations, Faculty of Administrative Sciences and Economy, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
As the largest greenhouse gases producer of the world, China decides to reduce fossil fuel consumption to zero by 2060. This behavior on the part of China seems a little unexpected because this country usually prefers the economic growth achieved in the light of fossil fuel consumption over issues such as environmental protection. Therefore, the question is raised, basically, what factor or factors have made China move towards complying with international norms, including the Paris Climate Agreement? The hypothesis of the article, which has been examined in a descriptive-analytical way, is that although various factors may be involved in China's desire to preserve the environment and adhere to environmental agreements, China's effort to gain a hegemonic position in the international system is an important factor. In order to achieve this position, China is trying to show a positive image of itself in the world as a responsible actor and in this way, gain credit for itself and direct the attention of the world community to itself. The findings of the research also showed that Beijing, following the point of view that compliance with international norms can help to gain a hegemonic position, intends to show a positive image of itself by joining the environmental protocols and draw the attention of countries to gain the role of world leadership.
As the largest greenhouse gases producer of the world, China decides to reduce fossil fuel consumption to zero by 2060. This behavior on the part of China seems a little unexpected because this country usually prefers the economic growth achieved in the light of fossil fuel consumption over issues such as environmental protection. Therefore, the question is raised, basically, what factor or factors have made China move towards complying with international norms, including the Paris Climate Agreement? The hypothesis of the article, which has been examined in a descriptive-analytical way, is that although various factors may be involved in China's desire to preserve the environment and adhere to environmental agreements, China's effort to gain a hegemonic position in the international system is an important factor. In order to achieve this position, China is trying to show a positive image of itself in the world as a responsible actor and in this way, gain credit for itself and direct the attention of the world community to itself. The findings of the research also showed that Beijing, following the point of view that compliance with international norms can help to gain a hegemonic position, intends to show a positive image of itself by joining the environmental protocols and draw the attention of countries to gain the role of world leadership.
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