Robert Falkner
@robertfalkner.bsky.social
Professor of International Relations at LSE & Academic Dean of TRIUM Global EMBA. Global environmental politics, international political economy & global business.
https://www.robertfalkner.org
https://www.robertfalkner.org
Pinned
Dieter Helm's big essay in The Times ("The COPs have failed" 8 Nov) prompted me to write a letter to the editor, to correct the muddle that Helm gets into on international climate policy and the #COP process.
Below is my response.
www.thetimes.com/comment/lett...
Below is my response.
www.thetimes.com/comment/lett...
LSE is hiring an Assistant Professor (Education track) in International Political Economy:
Primary responsibility is education; we are looking for a track record in teaching, student mentoring, and pastoral care.
Annual salary: £68,087+
Deadline: 30 November 2025.
jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
Primary responsibility is education; we are looking for a track record in teaching, student mentoring, and pastoral care.
Annual salary: £68,087+
Deadline: 30 November 2025.
jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
Assistant Professor (Education) in International Political Economy
Assistant Professor (Education) in International Political Economy,
,
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span>LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university</span></...
jobs.lse.ac.uk
November 21, 2025 at 11:07 AM
LSE is hiring an Assistant Professor (Education track) in International Political Economy:
Primary responsibility is education; we are looking for a track record in teaching, student mentoring, and pastoral care.
Annual salary: £68,087+
Deadline: 30 November 2025.
jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
Primary responsibility is education; we are looking for a track record in teaching, student mentoring, and pastoral care.
Annual salary: £68,087+
Deadline: 30 November 2025.
jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
So what's the main target of Helm's polemic? Of course, Secretary of State Ed Miliband who made net zero "such a divisive political chasm." No mention of the politicians and newspapers (incl the Times) on the right who have systematically undermined the UK's climate consensus.
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
So what's the main target of Helm's polemic? Of course, Secretary of State Ed Miliband who made net zero "such a divisive political chasm." No mention of the politicians and newspapers (incl the Times) on the right who have systematically undermined the UK's climate consensus.
His advocacy of the "polluter pays principle" is part of the standard economist's response. And it's correct. But if we took this seriously (we never did), you can't at the same time complain about the costs of the green energy transition and call for help for the biggest industrial polluters.
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
His advocacy of the "polluter pays principle" is part of the standard economist's response. And it's correct. But if we took this seriously (we never did), you can't at the same time complain about the costs of the green energy transition and call for help for the biggest industrial polluters.
Interestingly, Helm does not dismiss net zero altogether (though he feeds the conservative attack on the UK's net zero policy). In fact, he wants an even stronger net zero target that includes carbon imports, which would make UK climate policy even more onerous.
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Interestingly, Helm does not dismiss net zero altogether (though he feeds the conservative attack on the UK's net zero policy). In fact, he wants an even stronger net zero target that includes carbon imports, which would make UK climate policy even more onerous.
What of the alternative that Helm suggests, "a bottom-up coalition of unilateralist countries on carbon targets"? Germany tried this in the G7 in 2023, but when the US rejects climate science and China and Russia continue to push fossil fuels, there are few large emitters to make such a club work.
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
What of the alternative that Helm suggests, "a bottom-up coalition of unilateralist countries on carbon targets"? Germany tried this in the G7 in 2023, but when the US rejects climate science and China and Russia continue to push fossil fuels, there are few large emitters to make such a club work.
For one, a "top-down legally binding treaty" is not on the agenda at #COP30 in Brazil. This idea died back in 2009, at the Copenhagen COP. In many ways, the 2015 Paris Agreement offers all the benefits that Helm seems to want out of "bottom-up" climate action. Why rehash these decades-old debates?
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
For one, a "top-down legally binding treaty" is not on the agenda at #COP30 in Brazil. This idea died back in 2009, at the Copenhagen COP. In many ways, the 2015 Paris Agreement offers all the benefits that Helm seems to want out of "bottom-up" climate action. Why rehash these decades-old debates?
We've heard it all before - the #COP process is not working, we don't need a "top-down legally binding treaty", better to work "bottom-up" with a few unilateralist countries, UK climate leadership is pointless - but he offers few if any viable alternatives.
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
We've heard it all before - the #COP process is not working, we don't need a "top-down legally binding treaty", better to work "bottom-up" with a few unilateralist countries, UK climate leadership is pointless - but he offers few if any viable alternatives.
Dieter Helm's big essay in The Times ("The COPs have failed" 8 Nov) prompted me to write a letter to the editor, to correct the muddle that Helm gets into on international climate policy and the #COP process.
Below is my response.
www.thetimes.com/comment/lett...
Below is my response.
www.thetimes.com/comment/lett...
November 10, 2025 at 7:54 AM
Dieter Helm's big essay in The Times ("The COPs have failed" 8 Nov) prompted me to write a letter to the editor, to correct the muddle that Helm gets into on international climate policy and the #COP process.
Below is my response.
www.thetimes.com/comment/lett...
Below is my response.
www.thetimes.com/comment/lett...
Hard to believe these days, but there was once a time when the US government led the debate on how to combat climate change and improve environmental quality.
60 yrs ago today (Nov 5, 1965), the 1st US government report to warn about climate change was published.
"Restoring the Quality of Our Environment" included warning of C02 build-up and sea-level rise/melting ice-caps.
allouryesterdays.info/2025/11/04/6...
1/n
"Restoring the Quality of Our Environment" included warning of C02 build-up and sea-level rise/melting ice-caps.
allouryesterdays.info/2025/11/04/6...
1/n
November 5, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Hard to believe these days, but there was once a time when the US government led the debate on how to combat climate change and improve environmental quality.
Job alert!
The LSE's International Relations dept is hiring an Assistant Professor (Education) in International Political Economy. This is for academics whose primary responsibility is education. Apply by 30 Nov 2025.
Salary min. £68,087 pa incl London allowance.
jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
The LSE's International Relations dept is hiring an Assistant Professor (Education) in International Political Economy. This is for academics whose primary responsibility is education. Apply by 30 Nov 2025.
Salary min. £68,087 pa incl London allowance.
jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
Assistant Professor (Education) in International Political Economy
Assistant Professor (Education) in International Political Economy,
,
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><span>LSE is committed to building a diverse, equitable and truly inclusive university</span></...
jobs.lse.ac.uk
November 2, 2025 at 1:03 PM
Job alert!
The LSE's International Relations dept is hiring an Assistant Professor (Education) in International Political Economy. This is for academics whose primary responsibility is education. Apply by 30 Nov 2025.
Salary min. £68,087 pa incl London allowance.
jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
The LSE's International Relations dept is hiring an Assistant Professor (Education) in International Political Economy. This is for academics whose primary responsibility is education. Apply by 30 Nov 2025.
Salary min. £68,087 pa incl London allowance.
jobs.lse.ac.uk/Vacancies/W/...
Reposted by Robert Falkner
The German company that makes the mechanical ladder used in the Louvre heist has used the image to advertise, with the text 'When you need to move fast'
10/10 response, no notes
10/10 response, no notes
October 24, 2025 at 8:27 AM
The German company that makes the mechanical ladder used in the Louvre heist has used the image to advertise, with the text 'When you need to move fast'
10/10 response, no notes
10/10 response, no notes
Reposted by Robert Falkner
It's finally here! 100+ scholars, global scope, practical insights. “Climate Obstruction: A Global Assessment” shows how organized interests stall policy—and how governance can respond.
Open access available now! Or order for paperback and hardcover. cssn.org/wp-content/u...
Open access available now! Or order for paperback and hardcover. cssn.org/wp-content/u...
October 14, 2025 at 3:22 PM
It's finally here! 100+ scholars, global scope, practical insights. “Climate Obstruction: A Global Assessment” shows how organized interests stall policy—and how governance can respond.
Open access available now! Or order for paperback and hardcover. cssn.org/wp-content/u...
Open access available now! Or order for paperback and hardcover. cssn.org/wp-content/u...
The new McCarthyism of MAGA America:
Rutgers historian Mark Bray, who wrote book on postwar anti-fascism, leaves US after death threats and having his home address published on social media. Turning Point USA labelled him a “financier” for leftwing movements.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Rutgers historian Mark Bray, who wrote book on postwar anti-fascism, leaves US after death threats and having his home address published on social media. Turning Point USA labelled him a “financier” for leftwing movements.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
US anti-fascism expert leaves country day after being blocked from flying to Spain
Rutgers University professor who published book on antifa was told at gate his trip was cancelled after Trump threats
www.theguardian.com
October 14, 2025 at 6:58 AM
The new McCarthyism of MAGA America:
Rutgers historian Mark Bray, who wrote book on postwar anti-fascism, leaves US after death threats and having his home address published on social media. Turning Point USA labelled him a “financier” for leftwing movements.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Rutgers historian Mark Bray, who wrote book on postwar anti-fascism, leaves US after death threats and having his home address published on social media. Turning Point USA labelled him a “financier” for leftwing movements.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
The Conservatives are about to pledge to ditch the UK's Climate Change Act. Time to re-post this @carbonbrief.org analysis of why Kemi Badenoch is wrong to claim that climate policy is driving sky-high energy costs.
www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-wh...
www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-wh...
Factcheck: Why Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is wrong about UK’s net-zero goal - Carbon Brief
The leader of the opposition Conservative party, Kemi Badenoch, has shattered the political consensus on climate change in a speech attacking the UK’s net-zero by 2050 target.
www.carbonbrief.org
October 3, 2025 at 6:00 AM
The Conservatives are about to pledge to ditch the UK's Climate Change Act. Time to re-post this @carbonbrief.org analysis of why Kemi Badenoch is wrong to claim that climate policy is driving sky-high energy costs.
www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-wh...
www.carbonbrief.org/factcheck-wh...
Reposted by Robert Falkner
The Hertie School mourns the passing of Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Claus Offe, Professor Emeritus of Political Sociology, an extraordinary scholar, teacher and colleague.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who had the privilege to know him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who had the privilege to know him.
October 2, 2025 at 2:07 PM
The Hertie School mourns the passing of Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Claus Offe, Professor Emeritus of Political Sociology, an extraordinary scholar, teacher and colleague.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who had the privilege to know him.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and all who had the privilege to know him.
Cancel culture on the rise again in US…
September 18, 2025 at 8:39 AM
Cancel culture on the rise again in US…
As many suspected, the economic costs of this summer's heatwave and wildfire season in Europe turned out to be higher than originally expected - and are set to rise in future years.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
Europe’s summer of extreme weather caused €43bn of short-term losses, analysis finds
Greatest damage from heat, drought and flooding done in Cyprus, Greece, Malta and Bulgaria
www.theguardian.com
September 15, 2025 at 10:46 AM
As many suspected, the economic costs of this summer's heatwave and wildfire season in Europe turned out to be higher than originally expected - and are set to rise in future years.
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
www.theguardian.com/world/2025/s...
My favourite event with Conor is, of course, our GRI debate on Climate Change, Displacement and International Justice, held online during Covid (Conor starts at 15:29 mins): www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY2k...
We will miss you. RIP
We will miss you. RIP
Climate Change, Displacement and International Justice | LSE Online Event
YouTube video by LSE
www.youtube.com
September 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
My favourite event with Conor is, of course, our GRI debate on Climate Change, Displacement and International Justice, held online during Covid (Conor starts at 15:29 mins): www.youtube.com/watch?v=kY2k...
We will miss you. RIP
We will miss you. RIP
His sharp intellect, enthusiasm and boundless energy led him to make seminal contributions to British legal and political debates. And who can forget his captivating presence as a passionate speaker in the LSE public events programme?
September 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
His sharp intellect, enthusiasm and boundless energy led him to make seminal contributions to British legal and political debates. And who can forget his captivating presence as a passionate speaker in the LSE public events programme?
Sad day at LSE. Conor Gearty has died.
He will be sorely missed, among his colleagues in the law school and across the LSE and beyond. A passionate scholar and advocate of human rights, he became the first director of the LSE Centre for the Study of Human Rights while continuing to practice law.
He will be sorely missed, among his colleagues in the law school and across the LSE and beyond. A passionate scholar and advocate of human rights, he became the first director of the LSE Centre for the Study of Human Rights while continuing to practice law.
September 12, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Sad day at LSE. Conor Gearty has died.
He will be sorely missed, among his colleagues in the law school and across the LSE and beyond. A passionate scholar and advocate of human rights, he became the first director of the LSE Centre for the Study of Human Rights while continuing to practice law.
He will be sorely missed, among his colleagues in the law school and across the LSE and beyond. A passionate scholar and advocate of human rights, he became the first director of the LSE Centre for the Study of Human Rights while continuing to practice law.
Reposted by Robert Falkner
A textbook case of how not to report polls.
'50%? Oh my god!'
'Oh, you mean a 9-point increase'?
'50%? Oh my god!'
'Oh, you mean a 9-point increase'?
September 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
A textbook case of how not to report polls.
'50%? Oh my god!'
'Oh, you mean a 9-point increase'?
'50%? Oh my god!'
'Oh, you mean a 9-point increase'?
Reposted by Robert Falkner
Next was “The Market in Global International Society” by Barry Buzan and @robertfalkner.bsky.social, who demonstrate the flaws in analyzing the state and market separately and how to better understand political economy. Highly recommend
Full review: bookwyrm.social/user/bwaber/... (6/8)
Full review: bookwyrm.social/user/bwaber/... (6/8)
Validate User
academic.oup.com
September 10, 2025 at 2:05 AM
Next was “The Market in Global International Society” by Barry Buzan and @robertfalkner.bsky.social, who demonstrate the flaws in analyzing the state and market separately and how to better understand political economy. Highly recommend
Full review: bookwyrm.social/user/bwaber/... (6/8)
Full review: bookwyrm.social/user/bwaber/... (6/8)
Reposted by Robert Falkner
Are you researching how corporate actors shaped international organisations in the long #20thcentury?
🚨Submit your proposal for our #CfP: Extractivist Enterprise and International Organisations, 1919-1989
📅 Deadline to submit proposals: 6 October 2025
You can find all the information below 👇
🚨Submit your proposal for our #CfP: Extractivist Enterprise and International Organisations, 1919-1989
📅 Deadline to submit proposals: 6 October 2025
You can find all the information below 👇
September 3, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Are you researching how corporate actors shaped international organisations in the long #20thcentury?
🚨Submit your proposal for our #CfP: Extractivist Enterprise and International Organisations, 1919-1989
📅 Deadline to submit proposals: 6 October 2025
You can find all the information below 👇
🚨Submit your proposal for our #CfP: Extractivist Enterprise and International Organisations, 1919-1989
📅 Deadline to submit proposals: 6 October 2025
You can find all the information below 👇