An Ecocentric Discussion on Green Theory in International Relations

Abstract

Environmental degradation and its multidimensional impacts have become a topic of increasing interest in the International Relations (IR) discipline. Several IR theories examine environmental issues through different approaches, ranging from state-centric to human-centric. Green Theory in IR, rooted in the diversity of green political thought across the green spectrum, focuses directly on analyzing environmental issues. This study delves into the possibility of an ecocentric and holistic reframing of Green Theory in IR grounded in Eckersley’s Green State, planetary approach, and critical problemsolving methodology through analytical eclecticism. We aim to discuss whether a well-defined Green Theory in IR can provide a comprehensive perspective for implementing more effective alternatives to polycrisis, especially to ecological crises. Therefore, we categorize the conceptual and theoretical diversity within green approaches to clarify the content of green ontology and examine the green critiques of IR. These clarifications nourish the discussion of an alternative green theoretical framework for IR within Green Theory, offering a fresh and holistic lens for reinterpreting Green IR Theory. This will allow us to understand the interdependence in the international system ecologically, analyze the causes and consequences of ecological problems, and identify alternative solutions.

Keywords

Green theory, critical problem-solving, ecocentrism, green state, planetary approach

Citation

Vural, Ç., and S. Atvur. 2026. An Ecocentric Discussion on Green Theory in International Relations. Uluslararası İlişkiler, Advanced Online Publication, 5 August 2026: 1–22. DOI: 10.33458/uidergisi.1998801

Affiliations

Çağla Vural Researcher, Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Ankara Bilim University, Ankara E-Mail: [email protected] Orcid: 0000-0001-8474-2316

Senem Atvur Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, Akdeniz University, Antalya E-Mail: [email protected] Orcid: 0000-0003-3616-1749