Technological Choices in International Environmental Negotiations: An Actor— Network Analysis

Abstract

This article applies the main findings of actor—network theory to the outcomes of international environmental negotiations on technological issues. Taking the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) as a case study, and more precisely its developments on biotechnology and bioprospecting applications, the research identifies three successive stages in the negotiation of technological issues under the biodiversity treaty: (i) their emergence on the agenda of the CBD, (ii) the development of two sociotechnical networks in favor of biotechnology and bioprospecting applications, and (iii) the failure of these networks to influence the international agreement. These successive stages are the result of the mobilization of diverse actor networks, arising from the intersection of technological findings on the one hand and the interests of particular businesses, governments, and environmental NGOs with regard to these technological applications on the other hand. Closer scrutiny of these actor networks reveals that coherence between actors’ intentions and actions is a key element for their successful influence on international negotiations.