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Climate Diplomacy and Global Governance: A Strategic and Qualitative Analysis of International Politics (1950–2025)

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Climate change has become a complex issue at the center of contemporary international relations. This study examines the position of climate diplomacy within global governance structures and the evolution of these processes from the 1950s to 2025 through a qualitative approach. The main research question addresses how states and non-state actors shape global governance mechanisms through climate diplomacy and which power relations are determinant in this process. The study reveals that climate negotiations are not limited to environmental protection goals but occur at the intersection of economic interests, technological hegemony, and geopolitical strategies. The theoretical framework, shaped by international regime theory and structuralist approaches, contextualizes the multi-layered nature of climate diplomacy. Based on a qualitative research design, this study evaluates international agreements, diplomatic documents, and policy texts through document analysis methods. Findings indicate that climate diplomacy has transformed over time from a technical negotiation area into a strategic competition arena. While developed countries reject the principle of historical responsibility, developing countries strengthen their demands for justice and equality. As the effectiveness of multilateral agreements declines, regional alliances and bilateral collaborations gain importance. Research results demonstrate that climate diplomacy reproduces traditional international politics patterns and reinforces existing power asymmetries. The study offers recommendations for democratizing climate governance, establishing inclusive negotiation processes, and ensuring equitable resource distribution.
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