Positivist Climate Conflict Research

A Critique

Bibliographic Data

ID3948434
AuthorsJennifer Selby (0000-0002-7574-9660, University of Sussex, corresponding author), Jan Selby
Year2014
Volume19
Issue4
Pages829-856
Publication date2014-10-02
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueGeopolitics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1465-0045 • E-ISSN: 1557-3028
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14650045.2014.964865
OpenAlexW2064259105
LanguageEN
Citations received60

In recent years a large body of work has emerged that uses a positivist epistemology and quantitative methods to assess the likely conflict impacts of global climate change. This article advances a critique of this positivist climate conflict research programme, identifying within it three serial shortcomings. It contends, first, that the correlations identified by this research are specious, since they always rest upon coding and causal assumptions which range from the arbitrary to the untenable. It argues, second, that even if the correlations identified within this research were significant and meaningful, they would still not constitute a sound basis for making predictions about the conflict impacts of climate change. And it submits, third, that this research programme reflects and reproduces an ensemble of Northern stereotypes, ideologies and policy agendas. A departure from positivist method is required, the article contends, if we are to get close to thinking through the wide-ranging political and conflict implications of the human transformation of the global climate

Climate change · Economics · Epistemology · Ideology · Political science · Politics · Positive economics · Positivism · Social science · Sociology · Arctic and Russian Policy Studies · Climate Change Communication and Perception · Law · Sustainability and Climate Change Governance