The shifting landscape of Arctic politics: implications for international cooperation

Abstract

The landscape of Arctic politics is shifting. Transregional issues have taken on increased prominence, and numerous non-Arctic states are developing a growing interest in Arctic affairs. Increasing tensions between Russia and the West have cast a shadow on the cooperative practices characterizing the work of the Arctic council. There is no shortage of efforts to address needs for governance in the Arctic relating to matters of shipping, fishing, energy development, scientific research and the protection of sensitive ecosystems. But a major challenge is to manage interplay among these discrete developments, avoiding friction and promoting synergy. What we can expect is the growth of an Arctic regime complex encompassing a number of distinct elements that all deal with matters relating to the Arctic but that are not hierarchically related to one another. An important priority in this regard will be to improve the integration of this evolving complex of institutional arrangements. Addressing this challenge is likely to emerge as a central role for the Arctic Council during the next phase of its development.