Legacy of Authoritative Environmentalism and Path-Dependent Historic Institutionalism in the Climate Change Policy Dynamics of the Maldives

Abstract

The Maldives is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to climate change. Particularly, the Maldives is facing challenges of democratic governance and transparency, crucial for effective climate change policies and strategies. Limited financial and technical capacity also challenges integration of climate change in environmental policies. There is a dearth of studies on climate change politics and policy of small island nations like the Maldives. Hence, understanding policy dynamics of climate change in a political context is crucial. In this study, the theory of authoritative environmentalism was combined with insights from international relations and comparative politics of historic institutionalism to understand the climate change policy dynamics of the Maldives over the past twenty-five years. The study utilized a qualitative design using document analysis triangulated with semi-structured interviews. The results indicate the implementation and outcomes of climate change policy in the Maldives are influenced by a legacy of authoritative environmentalism and path-dependent historic institutionalism in governance. Consequently, political leadership at the highest level plays a crucial role in the implementation and outcomes of climate change policy in small island states.