Journal of Political Strategy

International Environmental Responsibility of States in the Framework of Multilevel Governance

Volume 9, Issue 3 - Serial Number 34
Autumn 2025
Pages 135-150
Journal of Political Strategy

Document Type : Original Independent Original Article

Authors

Vahid Araei 1
Mehrnoosh Mirzaamraji 2

1 Department of Public Administration and Public Policy, Islamic Azad University, Central Tehran Branch, Tehran, Iran.

2 PhD in Public International Law, Lecturer at Justice University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract
The complex and global nature of transboundary environmental challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss, shows that governments alone cannot ensure environmental protection. The multilevel governance model can be considered as a superior political alternative to provide policy solutions to challenges that are located at different territorial levels and therefore require the participation of different levels of governance. By emphasizing the interaction of different levels (local, national, regional and international) and the role of non-state actors, multilevel governance offers a new analytical framework for understanding and implementing the international responsibility of states. This article uses a descriptive-analytical approach to address the issue of how the multilevel governance model has transformed the international responsibility of states for violating environmental obligations. The findings show that this model has shifted government responsibility from a hierarchical and centralized concept to a network of shared but distinct responsibilities, based on the principle of cooperation and collective action, and has created new mechanisms for accountability and redress.

Keywords

Environment
international responsibility
international law
governments
multi-level governance
Subjects
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