An analysis of the actors, issues, and processes in international relations and the concept of power: a case of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

Climate change has grown into a major contemporary and future threat to international security with the potential of resulting in the extinction of humanity and other living organisms if not addressed as a matter of priority. Efforts towards an international solution to the threat have been made under the framework of the United Nations Climate Change Conferences. However, regardless of the perilous future of a climate polluted the universe the major powers responsible for the major part of the pollution have not been sincerely committed to implementing initiatives towards reducing the environmental pollution. This can be attributed to the prioritization of self-serving national interests at the expense of global security. International relations are a vicious circle permeated by both direct and indirect power politics and the United Nations Climate Change Conferences are not spared. The powerful nations with international influence use power politics to frustrate internationally beneficial initiatives agreed upon during the conferences in order to protect national interests. This paper suggests that the major powers who also happen to be largely responsible for global warming should take a leading role in the implementation of remedial initiatives. The international community should prioritise the realisation of respective net-zero commitments as a matter of urgency