The British Isles and the Arctic Circle: Episodes from the Past and Present

Abstract

This study deals with aspects of Britain’s engagement with the region of the Arctic Circle, both in times past and during the present period. With regard to the past, it specifically looks at English and Scottish engagement with the area of Spitsbergen (present-day Svalbard, Norway), with a focus on exploration and whaling activities, and the competition that subsequently ensued with other European powers as a result. This also involves looking at legal issues that arose over time with regard to the archipelago. Furthermore, it examines how Svalbard has now once again become a source of contention, specifically between the European Union and Norway as a result of the allocation of fishing quotas that came about due to Brexit. This has caused tensions between the two entities, with both sides utilizing legal arguments to justify and bolster their positions. This incident is yet another example of the far-reaching impact that the restructuring of EU–UK relations has had as a result of the latter’s departure from the former. Lastly, the article also surveys British engagement with the Arctic region at the present time, including Scotland’s attempt at articulating an independent policy of engagement for itself with regard to the area.