Article Details
  • Published Online:
    July  2025
  • Product Name:
    The IUP Journal of International Relations
  • Product Type:
    Article
  • Product Code:
    IJIR050725
  • DOI:
    10.71329/IUPJIR/2025.19.3.88-105
  • Author Name:
    Nawid Aria
  • Availability:
    YES
  • Subject/Domain:
    Arts and Humanities
  • Download Format:
    PDF
  • Pages:
    88-105
Volume 19, Issue 3, July-September 2025
The Eco-Cost of Growth: Uncovering Environmental Exploitation in the Global Capitalist System
Abstract

This paper offers a critical examination of the relationship between global capitalism, consumer culture, and environmental degradation through the framework of Green Theory within International Political Economy (IPE). Employing a descriptive-analytical approach and relying on library-based sources, the study contrasts Green Theory with conventional IPE schools of thought, such as liberalism and mercantilism, by emphasizing themes of sustainability, ecological boundaries, and social equity. It investigates the environmental consequences of capitalist production and consumer practices, as well as the ethical concerns linked to excessive consumption. Moreover, the study highlights the uneven distribution of environmental burdens, with a particular focus on how marginalized population in the Global South bear a greater share of the impact. The results stress the urgent need to move beyond growth-centric capitalist models and adopt more equitable and sustainable economic alternatives. Ultimately, this work adds to the ongoing conversation about harmonizing economic development with environmental protection, shedding light on the necessity for systemic transformation in confronting today’s ecological crises.

Introduction

Global capitalism, characterized by its relentless drive for profit and expansion, has become the primary force shaping contemporary economies and societies. This system, propelled by market-driven growth and an emphasis on economic advancement, has spurred a surge in consumerism, where personal identity is