Understanding the Role of Arctic States, Non-Arctic States and Indigenous Peoples in Arctic Affairs Through the Lens of International Relations Theories

Abstract

The Arctic is slowly opening to the world due to the ice retreat. The regional concept of unreachable lands, seas and ice is disappearing, leading the Arctic States to assert sovereignty over their respective Arctic territory in order to secure Arctic resources. However, Indigenous Peoples are concerned by these large-scale changes as their traditional land is changing, threatening their culture and existence. Finally, some non-Arctic States actively draft policies to express their intentions regarding the Arctic and its economic and strategic possibilities. In that sense, all stakeholders are adapting their conception of international relations to fit the new Arctic reality.

Keywords

• arctic
• asian states.
• english school
• liberalism
• realism
• geopolitics
• indigenous peoples
• security
• sovereignty