Green Rentierism and Ecological Modernisation: A Discourse Analysis of Azerbaijani Media Narratives on the Energy Transition (2020–2023)

Tural Heydarli

Diplomová práce

Anotace:

This study examines green rentierism, a strategy whereby hydrocarbon-dependent states exploit green rhetoric and climate finance to reinforce, rather than reform, their fossil fuel-based economies. Using Azerbaijan as a case study, I analyse 58 media articles published from 2020–2023 in sixteen most read news media in Azerbaijan to measure narrative construction via discourse analysis methodology. Findings reveal that Azerbaijani media during the study period followed ecological modernisation narrative in framing ecological issues. The research identifies several mechanisms (such as temporal delay, geographic displacement, selective silence on alternative narratives) that allow incumbents to secure international legitimacy while delaying decarbonization. The study concludes that green rentierism functions as a legitimacy shield, enabling hydrocarbon states to maintain existing rents with an ecological rhetoric.

Abstract:

This study examines green rentierism, a strategy whereby hydrocarbon-dependent states exploit green rhetoric and climate finance to reinforce, rather than reform, their fossil fuel-based economies. Using Azerbaijan as a case study, I analyse 58 media articles published from 2020–2023 in sixteen most read news media in Azerbaijan to measure narrative construction via discourse analysis methodology. Findings reveal that Azerbaijani media during the study period followed ecological modernisation narrative in framing ecological issues. The research identifies several mechanisms (such as temporal delay, geographic displacement, selective silence on alternative narratives) that allow incumbents to secure international legitimacy while delaying decarbonization. The study concludes that green rentierism functions as a legitimacy shield, enabling hydrocarbon states to maintain existing rents with an ecological rhetoric.

Keywords

Green rentierism, Ecological modernisation, Media discourse analysis, Renewable sources of energy, Decarbonisation

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 18. 5. 2026

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 11. 6. 2026
• Vedoucí: Mgr. Lukáš Lehotský, Ph.D.
• Oponent: doc. Mgr. Martin Jirušek, Ph.D.

Masarykova univerzita

Fakulta sociálních studií

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Energy Policy Studies / Energy Policy Studies