International comparison is one of the most important methods of the empirical-analytical environmental policy analysis. Based on a systematic comparative view on different national environmental policies it is possible to make general statements about the conditions for success as well as the restrictions of environmental policies. Also, this view allows to understand the causal mechanisms of change in national environmental policy. Since its foundation in 1986, comparative studies about environmental policies in industrialized countries are one of the central research topics of the FFU. Recently, the comparison of newly industrializing countries, developing countries and sub-national entities like cities or communes is becoming more and more important.
Extensive data bases about intrastate diffusion and convergency of environmental policies or local climate politics are just one example for the work of the FFU. In addition, there are comparative studies about the efficiency of national, regional and local climate and sustainability programs, case studies of environmental or climate policies in model communities as well as investigations into the relationship between decision makers on different levels.
Employees of the FF are responsible for teaching "Comparative Analysis of Political Systems" in the Bachelor's and Master's programs of the Institute for Political Sciences (OSI).