The Danish Realm in the Arctic

Abstract

ABSTRACT Arctic regional development challenges the Danish Realm construction. The geopolitical importance has increased the focus on the two sub-state units, the Faroe Islands and Greenland, which demand more influence and room to conduct paradiplomacy. The Arctic Council is the most important international institution in the region, and this article focuses on different options for the distinct political units within the Realm to seek influence and oversee the development. Previous research has addressed options on the governmental level, but this article emphasizes additional parliamentary-related options. In addition, the article focuses on the strategic level of this type of activity. The investigation shows that Greenland and the Faroe Islands use multiple options, but that the Danish Folketing compared to the Løgting and Inatsisartut is more strategic in the use of options, and that the Folketing allocates central Arctic-related parliamentary seats to North Atlantic MPs to legitimate the Arctic state position.