Science diplomacy in the Arctic: Contributions of the USGS to policy discourse and impact on governance

While much work on expertise has explored the mobilisation and production of knowledge, the development of epistemic communities, and the mechanisms through which expertise operates – little work has been done exploring how expertise is understood across academic literature on particular regional cases such as the Arctic. In this article, I scope a broad literature review of the Arctic, seeking out how expertise has been depicted and framed in academic and theoretical literature. The results are framed around five different themes: (1) expertise serving the interests of great powers, (2) recognition of the overall importance of expertise in Arctic governance, (3) the purpose of experts, (4) science diplomacy and expertise: a murky barrier, and (5) how to study experts, but also find that Indigenous knowledge is often left out of literature that relies upon Western frameworks of expertise. This incongruity suggests that there are two competing conceptualizations of Arctic expertise, one in theory and another in practice – which has consequences for how the region and its expertise are narrated.

Section: Expertise In Arctic Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Scoping Arctic expertise: The mismatch between traditional theories of expertise and Indigenous expertise

Gricius

2024

“…The concept of science diplomacy has gained momentum over the past twenty years in a public discourse that brings together science policy and international affairs (Flink, 2020). A fair number of papers have already been published on science diplomacy in general (Berkman, 2020; Fedoroff, 2009; Krasnyak, 2018; Ruffini, 2017), on Arctic science diplomacy in particular (Berkman, Kullerud, Pope, Vylegzhanin, & Young, 2017; Gutenev & Sergunin, 2022; Goodsite, Bertelsen, & Pertoldi-Bianchi, 2016; Wood-Donnelly & Bartels, 2016) and related Arctic governance discourses (Berkman, 2019; Caymaz, 2021). Most of these works are devoted to conceptualising the phenomenon (defining the concept, its content, reviewing forms and mechanisms).…”

Section: Science As a “Soft” Power Toolmentioning

confidence: 99%

Arctic science diplomacy in new geopolitical conditions: From “soft” power to “hard” dialogue?

Zaika

Lagutina

2023

Recent years have shown that international science dialogue exists at the edge of turbulence and is disturbed by different geopolitical events. The notion of science diplomacy has taken the critical discourse to different levels of actors. Such a discourse exposes the epistemological ambivalence and methodological imbalance of both science and diplomacy in this phenomenon. Current geopolitical conditions have revealed new edges of science diplomacy instruments that spread from “soft” to “hard” practices. Different levels of dialogue and cooperation have shown different examples of resilience and adaptability (or the opposite) to the external turbulence. The phenomenon of regionalisation in science diplomacy is facing criticism from the science community while the current geopolitical situation has dramatically influenced the Arctic science dialogue, as well as governance practices. This commentary discusses particular examples of existing Arctic science diplomacy practices in current geopolitical conditions which are reflected in the Arctic theoretical and practical discourse.

“…On the other hand, the growing involvement of Asian states poses questions regarding regional interests such as Indigenous interests and environmental protection. As science is used to ascertain national interest in Arctic governance, it can lead to governance fragmentation and, thus, resource exploitation’s rush in the region (Wood-Donnelly & Pascale Bartels, 2022). Since Arctic policy-making is mainly based on scientific knowledge, the more a state reinforces its epistemic authority, the more it gains political stake.…”

Section: Asian States In Arctic Governance: Science For Diplomacy In ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, in a few decades, the Arctic Ocean may no longer be an ice-covered area, and these unprecedented changes have contributed to the steady globalisation of the Arctic. A warming Arctic Ocean raises important issues related to the Arctic societies, marine environment and the climate, but it also presents economic opportunities such as resource extraction, trade routes and tourism (Wood-Donnelly & Pascale Bartels, 2022). This changing environment is also increasing the political salience of the Arctic and multiplying the interest in the governance of this region beyond Arctic states.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Science diplomacy and Asian states: Transforming the governance landscape in the Arctic

Argüello,

Rafaly

2023

As ice recedes, the governance of the Arctic is undergoing a significant change. What was once considered a frozen desert with little relevance to the legal system, the Arctic has gradually become a global object of governance. Furthermore, the growing political salience of the Arctic Ocean has generated interest in its governance beyond Arctic states, particularly Asian states such as China, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. These countries have been actively participating in regional cooperation arrangements, including the Arctic Council. Undoubtedly, science diplomacy has been an important driver in shaping the governance of the Arctic and maintaining it as a low-tension area. However, this perception is now being put to the test following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Amidst this crisis, we explore whether science diplomacy can continue to promote peaceful collaboration in the Arctic region. Our research suggests that science diplomacy could potentially aid in the future of Arctic governance, particularly with regard to the involvement of Asian states. We analyse the legal and geopolitical factors involved in determining the potential roles of Asian states in Arctic governance, including whether they could serve as a bridge between the West and Russia or if their actions might further fragment Arctic governance.