The Power of Images in Environmental Governance

Paper by Maria Cristina Espinosa, MEG 2008 student. This paper examines how images can influence the dynamics in which the relevant actors of the processes of governing the environment are involved. The first part attempts to define the notion of image From this point onwards, the power of images is evaluated at different layers: individual, societal, and international. The second part of this paper focuses on the individual layer, exploring a current debate of neuroscience regarding the relation between images and language and thought. Focusing on the societal level, the third section considers the role of mass media in the creation and diffusion of images. Subsequently, the power of images in democratic politics, social movements, and corporate governance is assessed. The fourth part of this review considers the Image Theory of International Relations, illustrating it with the example of the globalized images of environmental security in Africa.

Images environmental governnace CE.pdf — PDF document, 107Kb