Supporting the Next Generation of Global Environmental Politics Research: A Call to Dialogue and Action

Abstract As the journal Global Environmental Politics reflects on the past twenty-five years and looks forward, taking stock of early-career researcher (ECR) perspectives is a critical exercise for ensuring that the journal and the field of global environmental politics remain healthy and productive. In this article, we incorporate insights generated through focus groups and surveys from fifty-one ECRs from around the world to explore, first, where ECRs think global environmental politics is headed; second, ECRs’ visions and hopes for the future of global environmental politics research; and third, what structural components (training, job market, disciplinary organizations) are necessary to support ECRs in producing the next generation of environmental politics research. Exploring these questions, we propose a start to a “next-generation research strategy,” focused on how global environmental politics scholars should be researching empirical topics. We conclude by addressing the challenges ECRs face in implementing this strategy and how institutions—including associations, journals, and training programs—can support ECRs in this endeavor.