Work

The Global Plastics Treaty and Brazil from Putnam’s two-level game theory: Converging on divergences?

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The accumulation of plastic in the oceans is a global environmental problem that requires international solutions. In 2022, the UN Environment Assembly launched negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty (GPT). In four years of negotiations, an Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee has promoted seven meetings to reach an agreement. This research analyzes the GPT negotiation process through the lens of the two-level game theory, seeking to understand how domestic and international constraints influence Brazil’s position during the agreement formation. We analyzed negotiation documents as well as public hearings from Brazilian representatives and non-state actors as well as surveys. Regarding analysis procedures, the research is qualitative and relies on content analysis. We observe the country’s material challenges in consolidating, at the international level, a policy that tries to balance proposals promoted domestically around the bioeconomy and the green development agenda without compromising economic interests.

Source: Cambridge Prisms Plastics

DOI: 10.1017/plc.2026.10060

Authors: Elia Elisa Cia Alves, Júlia Ana Bezerra dos Santos

Institution: Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Language: English

Topic: International Environmental Law and Policies

Subfield: Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,893