Managing competition and promoting cooperation in the Arctic
The Arctic is emerging as a distinct sub-region in an increasingly globalised world. Improving access to the Arctic is presenting new challenges and opportunities for the people and nation states of the Arctic region, and to the broader international community. As never before, the Arctic has become part of a complex set of political and economic dynamics linking actors within and outside the region.
At the heart of these
processes are local, national, regional and international claims
regarding identity, stewardship and sovereignty in respect to the
territories and resources of the region. If the opening of the Arctic
is to be stable and peaceful over the long term, it will be critical
to fashion political and security arrangements capable of managing
the Arctic’s transformation and integrating the various claims on
the region in a cooperative fashion.
- How are the multi-level interactions of sub-state actors, states and multilateral organisations shaping political and security order in the Arctic?
- What are the domestic and international interests and actors that drive the policies of Arctic states towards the region and how are their agendas evolving?
- How might the interests of Arctic and non-Arctic communities and states - the so-called Arctic ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’ - be integrated?
- What implications does the opening of the Arctic have for existing regional governance and security frameworks, notably those in Europe?
In addressing these
questions, researchers involved in the SIPRI project will produce a
variety of publications designed to provide information and analysis
on contemporary developments in the Arctic. We also seek to engage
policymakers, the media and experts in discussions regarding Arctic
political and security issues, with a view to building confidence and
sharing knowledge. The aim of this work is to
identify practical steps to reduce risks, misunderstandings and
suspicions during a time of change in the region, and to promote
cooperation relating to the Arctic.
To achieve the main
project goals, the research team is utilizing SIPRI’s unique
international networks, extending through Europe and North America to
Northeast Asia, as well as building new contacts and networks. For
work in Northeast Asia, the SIPRI permanent presence in Beijing,
China, is playing a key role. The SIPRI presence in Washington, DC,
will be engaged in future North-American aspects of the Arctic
project.
