Fossil fuels are responsible for 86% of carbon dioxide emissions, however until relatively recently, the dominant focus of both domestic and international climate policy has centred on curbing demand, with limited national or international attempts to regulate the supply of fossil fuels. To address this challenge, the ‘Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative’ was launched in 2020, advocating for a treaty focused on non-proliferation, disarmament, and a just transition towards renewable energy.

The Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative is the latest in a long line of examples of transnational advocacy networks aimed at securing the negotiation of new treaties in international law. In recent decades, coordinated social movements have played a key role in the formation of treaty instruments in the humanitarian, environmental, health and human rights fields.

However, while it is increasingly recognised that non-state actors have a role to play in international law, there is relatively limited research on the role of transnational advocacy networks in the formation of new treaty instruments.

This research applies a case study approach, drawing on process tracing, actor network mapping and participatory action research methodologies, to understand what factors lead to the success of transnational advocacy network campaigns for new treaty instruments across multiple policy domains. It aims to provide a theoretical contribution to the literature by identifying and explaining the role of transnational advocacy networks in treaty-making.

This seminar presentation is Rebecca’s Thesis Proposal Review, in which she presents her thesis proposal to her supervisors, peers and other RegNet scholars.

About the speaker

Rebecca Byrnes is a PhD Scholar focusing on the role of transnational advocacy networks in the formation of new international law instruments. She simultaneously works with the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, which is itself a transnational advocacy network working towards a new treaty governing fossil fuel production. Rebecca has Masters degrees in Law, and Environmental Change and Management from the University of Oxford, and has previously worked in the NSW Government and the Grantham Research Institute at the London School of Economics.

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This seminar presentation will be in-person only. It is open only to RegNet academics, staff, students and visitors.

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Image credit: Image of a rally for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty at the United Nations Environment Program Stockholm+50 conference, from Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative 3 June 2022 press release.