Research cooperation between the University of Tartu and Singaporean partners in the study of global climate governance

Researchers from the University of Tartu Asia Centre presented the forthcoming Routledge book “India, China and Climate Change Governance” at the Embassy of Estonia in Singapore.

The book offers an in-depth analysis of how India and China are asserting their leadership roles within global climate diplomacy, examining their governance approaches, responsibility-sharing, and strategic positioning within the Global South. It bridges international geopolitics and climate governance, exploring internal policy dynamics, regional interactions, and the ways in which these major powers shape and manage global climate challenges.

In addition, the volume addresses intra-Global South dynamics, including both cooperation and competition, and provides region-specific case studies from the Middle East, Central Asia, and South Asia. It also highlights the role of non-state actors in shaping climate governance and critically examines prevailing assumptions about hierarchy, responsibility, and influence in the global climate regime.

“This kind of an international research cooperation shows well that the research in the University of Tartu is significant and helps to strengthen the ties with partners in Asia,” added Elo Süld, Head of Centre and Associate Professor of Islamic Studies.

The book presentation was organised in cooperation with the Embassy of Estonia in Singapore and was opened by Veikko Kala, the Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia to Singapore and ASEAN and as Ambassador-Designate to Indonesia. In his opening remarks, he emphasized the role of academic diplomacy in enhancing the international visibility of Estonian research and in developing cooperation networks. Remarks were also delivered by Dr Amitendu Palit, Senior Research Fellow and Research Lead (Trade and Economics) at the Institute of South Asian Studies at the National University of Singapore, who highlighted the growing importance of India and China in global climate governance.

The volume is the result of tight international research collaboration, bringing together the expertise of scholars from the University of Tartu Asia Centre and the Institute of South Asian Studies (ISAS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). The book is edited by Agnieszka Nitza-Makowska, Research Fellow at the Asia Centre, and an Assistant Professor and Head of Asian Studies at Collegium Civitas in Warsaw, Amit Ranjan, Research Fellow at the National University of Singapore Institute of South Asian Studies, and Elo Süld.

The presentation featured all three editors as well as contributing author Anastasia Sinitsyna, Research Fellow at the Asia Centre, who discussed the key themes and findings of the volume. The event served as strong evidence that the Asia Centre is an active partner in international research networks and has the capacity to conduct research cooperation with leading research institutions in Asia. Collaboration with the National University of Singapore will continue through joint research projects, academic exchange, and the further development of Asia-focused expertise.

Such initiatives also support the University of Tartu’s goal of being an internationally competitive research university, where research is of high quality and impact, and where scholars actively contribute to addressing global challenges. International cooperation also strengthens the university’s role in shaping a knowledge-based society and increases the global visibility of Estonian research.