ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the patterns of state participation with multilateral conventions. It seeks to trace discernable patterns of association between domestic regime-type and state participation in multilateral treaties in two different issue areas environment and arms control to identify whether domestic regime-type is positively associated with a state's cooperative behavior. Multilateral environmental treaties (MEAs) are the most common way of managing environmental resources because they serve to communicate shared expectations and offer a framework to coordinate and manage state action, and enhance public support for the protection of natural resources and pollution abatement. Regional environmental treaties (REA) can be regional multilateral where it encompasses three or more states within a particular region or it can be merely bilateral involving two states. Unlike environment and human rights conventions, there are fewer multilateral treaties in the sphere of international security and arms control.
