The Arctic and the International Power Transition from West to East

11th Annual International ADI Conference | 18-19 June 2019

Asian Dynamics Initiative, University of Copenhagen
South Campus, Njalsgade 120, 2300 Copenhagen S

Convener: Marc Lanteigne, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø

The Arctic has for centuries both reflected and been a part of the international political, economic and security system. However, this period was largely Western-centric, including cold war tensions. The last 30 years’ post-Cold War period has seen an increase in Arctic development and cooperation creating new spaces and opportunities for small states as well as many non-state actors. Now, however, the international system is characterised by a power transition from West to East, which affects the Arctic as any other region. Japan, South Korea, and China have joined the Arctic Council as Observer States, and have all developed Arctic strategies and have sought to build regional identities. In January 2018, China released its first White Paper on Arctic Policy, which served to demonstrate Beijing’s increasing interest and role consciousness in Arctic cooperation. While this is partly driven by China’s scientific curiosity, commercial activities as well as its interconnectivity initiative, including the Belt and Road, it also reflects a legitimate concern over rapid climate change in this region. As well, China is reacting to ongoing attempts by its neighbours, Japan and South Korea, to develop their own economic interests in the Arctic. These developments are not unnoticed by Russia and the US responding with what could be termed a return to Cold War strategies with military build-up, etc, and less space for the Arctic small states and non-state actors.

This panel invites papers that explore the Arctic in lieu of the international power transition from West to East, and especially welcomes contributions on the Polar Silk Road; Arctic projects with Asian contributions/interests, (e.g. shipping and resource extraction); Arctic Diplomacy including Arctic Council and science diplomacy; and Arctic security issues with an Asian perspective. Contributions that compare the Asian approaches to the Arctic with other regions, such as in Europe, are also welcome.

Download abstracts here (PDF)