The transformation from Kyoto to Paris has been analysed by international relations
scholars, international law, and transnational governance theory. The international
relations literature looks at the climate regime from a perspective of power
distribution, state interests, institutions, and multilateral negotiations. International
law theory focuses on legal analysis and design of international climate agreements.
The transnational governance literature examines the participation of transnational
actors at different levels of governance. However, each of these theories overlooks a
bilateral trend of cooperation in a multilateral setting that arises as a part of
construction or reconstruction of the international regime. Cooperation on climate
change between the European Union and the United States deserves special scientific
attention. Over the last 30 years of climate negotiations, these nations have met many
challenges. However, these challenges currently give opportunities to revise the New
Transatlantic Agenda and build a fruitful bilateral partnership and policy
coordination in the area of climate change.
