We live in the Anthropocene – the Age of Humans – characterized by dangerous environmental degradation, demanding urgent and adequate international environmental governance (IEG). Yet, IR scholarship problematizes the shortcomings of current IEG, demonstrating its failure to fight environmental degradation. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the UNDP published the 2020 Human Development Report titled ‘The next frontier – Human Development in the Anthropocene’. A preliminary reading suggests a shift towards ecocentric governance. Inspired by this development, this study situates itself within the literature on Adaptive Governance in the Anthropocene. It explores if IEG is indeed adopting ecocentrism, thereby adapting to the conditions and demands of the 21st century. Complementing UNDP with two additional cases (UNEP and WHO), this research attempts to provide an updated understanding of the state of IEG in 2020/21 through qualitative content analysis of flagship reports. Green Theory and scholarship on IEG and the Anthropocene will be utilized to construct the research design, as well as to assess the content and meaning of the results. The research findings suggest that UNDP, UNEP, and WHO adopt ecocentrism norms, albeit with certain gradations present. This study attempts to complement the governance literature and take a stand regarding the status of IR in the Anthropocene.

The purpose of this study was to identify the role of nongovernmental organizations in Nicaragua and their impact on the status of women. The study analyzed the status of women at the beginning of the revolution, starting in 1980. The study then examined the evolution of non-governmental organizations deriving from the original group named the Luisa Amanda Espinosa Association of Nicaraguan Women (AMNLAE). It then described the impact of non-governmental organizations on policy making and building civic societies. Ultimately, this study analyzed the status of women thirty years after the revolution and demonstrates through institutionalism that because of the effect of non-governmental organizations on society, the status of women has improved. It then concluded that nongovernmental and intergovernmental organizations are necessary for building civic societies wherein gender equality is accepted.