Normative Implications Examining the Case for a Democratic Versus an Authoritarian Environmental Approach to Addressing Climate Change: A Systematic Review of the Published Evidence, 2000–2022
Over the last two decades, academic research on how political regimes address the consequences of climate change has grown significantly. While the relationship between democracy and climate action has been thoroughly studied, increasing attention has been paid to authoritarian regimes, particularly...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-12-01
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| Series: | Sustainable Environment |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/27658511.2025.2505328 |
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| Summary: | Over the last two decades, academic research on how political regimes address the consequences of climate change has grown significantly. While the relationship between democracy and climate action has been thoroughly studied, increasing attention has been paid to authoritarian regimes, particularly authoritarian environmentalism (AE) as a viable and justifiable response to climate change. Thus, this study focuses on this emerging tension within academic narratives. We examine the extent to which some of the scholarly literature questions the fundamental principles of democratic governance by advocating for an authoritarian environmental model. Using the PRISMA method, we systematically reviewed 53 qualitative and quantitative studies from 2000 to 2022, analyzing the normative implications of this tension. Our findings identify three key normative concerns associated with AE proponents that should be considered for future research: 1) potential erosion of democratic values and institutions, 2) diminished public participation and civic engagement, and 3) undermining scientific credibility. |
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| ISSN: | 2765-8511 |