21. 5. 2024

This episode of The IR thinker explores the circular economy as a subject of international politics, examining how it is defined, what goals it pursues and how it fits within global economic and trade frameworks. In conversation with Dr Patrick Schröder, we discuss international standards, bilateral agreements, corporate incentives, implementation failures, links to the energy transition and the geopolitical and ethical implications of circular economy initiatives, including in the Global South.

Patrick Schröder

Dr Patrick Schröder is a Senior Research Fellow in the Environment and Society Centre at Chatham House in London. His work focuses on the global transition to an inclusive circular economy, with particular emphasis on international policy coordination, investment needs, the role of trade and the contribution of circular practices to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Publications:

The Relevance of Circular Economy Practices to the Sustainable Development Goals

Promoting a just transition to an inclusive circular economy

No, Recycling Won’t Solve Our Plastic Problem

Content

00:00 - Introduction
02:03 - Defining Circular Economy
07:38 - Main Goals of Circular Economy
10:48 - Circular Economy in International Economic Frameworks
16:33 - Global Authority and International Standards for Circular Economy
23:20 - Incorporating Circular Economy into Bilateral Agreements
29:11 - International Consensus on Circular Economy
35:50 - Multinational Corporations and Circular Economy Incentives
41:36 - Case Studies: Failures in Circular Economy Implementation
43:58 - Impact of Circular Economy on Economic Growth
48:50 - Geopolitical Implications of Circular Economy
52:46 - Western Circular Economy Initiatives in Developing Countries
56:04 - Ethical Issues in Circular Economy
59:14 - Circular Economy and Energy Transition
01:04:39 - Recommended Research Areas in Circular Economy