"The Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform" [2019] ELECD 2067; in Rive, J.C. Vernon (ed), "Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform" (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2019) 175

Book Title: Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform

Editor(s): Rive, J.C. Vernon

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Section: Chapter 7

Section Title: The Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform

Number of pages: 28

Abstract/Description:

The Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform is an informal coalition of nine non-Group of Twenty (G20) countries led by New Zealand which, since 2010, has assumed a prominent place on the international stage concerning fossil fuel subsidy reform. Drawing on constructivist-influenced frameworks for analysing international norm development, the chapter subjects the background, approach and strategies of the FFFSR to scrutiny. The analysis focuses on three aspects of the norm emergence cycle: the framing of fossil fuel subsidies and fossil fuel subsidy reform; the securing of support of state and non-state actors; and the strategic use of expertise and information to influence behaviour of other states. It critically examines an aspect of the FFFSR strategy and operation which has provoked interest and some controversy within academic and NGO circles: an observed focus on the rationalisation and elimination of fossil fuel consumption subsidies within developing countries while demonstrating an apparent degree of comfort and acceptance towards fossil fuel production subsidies in developed countries.