Disentangling the Effect of the Regime Type on Environmental Performance

Abstract

This chapter explains the motivation for this study of the effects of specific features of democracy on environmental performance. It formulates hypotheses and explains the research design of the subsequent empirical analyses. It cannot be expected that democracies are generally more environmentally friendly than autocracies. Instead, specific institutional traits of democracies contribute to environmental protection, while others presumably have no or, under certain conditions, even negative consequences for the environment. Social equality should contribute to environmental performance in democracies, as broad representation makes it more likely that diffuse interests are considered in the political decision-making process. Stronger local and regional democracy should contribute to environmental performance in democracies and autocracies, as it supports political participation, local acceptance of environmental policies and the efficiency of environmental protection.