Security threats and risk management: European and Chinese responses to the climate disruption
2015, 2015 (38), No. 4
Hong Kong Baptist University (Hong Kong S.A.R., China)
City University of Hong Kong
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Abstract
Most academics and policy makers agree upon irreversible phenomena affecting planet Earth’s climate – we have finally faced a climate disruption. As triggered by humans, environmental degradation ultimately threatens not only the security but even the survival of individuals, communities, states and perhaps even the international system as a whole. This paper addresses differences with regards to risk assessment of climate disruption in Europe and in China. Its departure point is that the divergence between European and Chinese approaches is based on structural and institutional distinctions. Specifically, it tries to assess those distinctions (importance of sovereignty and non-interference) with regards to methods (assessment of vulnerability) and principles (transparency and inclusiveness) of risk assessment. Initial analysis leads to a tentative conclusion, which confirms the importance of political culture in national responses to security threats (be it traditional or non-traditional). In this respect EU-China strategic partnership is suggested as one of the possibly effective platforms for future cooperation.
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Contents/Spis treści
- information policy of the European Unioninformation policy instrumentsjournalistsin-depth interviews
Information on demand. Evaluation of the European Union’s information policy done by journalists
Marta Jas-Koziarkiewicz
- European social modelwelfare stateglobalisationageing of the societyneoliberalismthird wayactive social policyeconomic crisis 2008+
The European social model – between crisis and system’s adaptability
Jadwiga Nadolska
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