A RENEWED INTEREST IN SCIENCE DIPLOMACY AND THE ARCTIC
A RENEWED INTEREST IN SCIENCE DIPLOMACY AND THE ARCTIC

Summary/Abstract: Science diplomacy can be defined as building scientific collaborations among states to deal with common problems as well as addressing global challenges. This term also involves building constructive partnerships globally owing to the fact that both science and diplomacy is associated with open-ended negotiations based upon peaceful processes. After the end of the Cold War, there has been a remarkable interest in science diplomacy especially in the UK, United States, Japan and China more recently. On the other hand the Arctic region, which is perceived as a unique zone of peace and scientific collaboration, has been undergoing substantial transformation due to human induced climate change. Therefore, variety of emerging actors has accelerated both scientific and social cooperation across the region which determines the nexus between science diplomacy and geopolitics as well. This process has also transformed the structure of the Arctic Council and non-Arctic states are accepted as observers. Consequently, a more complicated and many-sided diplomatic system has emerged involving scientific institutions, non-governmental organizations, media and the network of regulators alongside governments. The aim of this study is to examine the role of science diplomacy in Arctic affairs. The role of emergent actors in the region is also discussed.

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