Science Diplomacy in and for the Arctic: Opportunities in Turbulent Times
Science, research and innovation play a key role in increasing our knowledge of the Arctic, in understanding the changes of the region and hence in contributing to providing policy responses to the huge challenges it is facing. It is an illustration of the importance of science diplomacy. Science diplomacy has different dimensions. This article will address how science contributes to evidence-based policymaking in turbulent times.
While science and technology play an increasingly important role in the geopolitical arena, it has been claimed that science diplomacy in the Arctic has been severely impacted by geopolitics. Though some negative effects are clearly observable, it is worthwhile to assess the real dimension of the impact of reduced scientific cooperation with Russia. Indeed, a closer look at recent developments demonstrates that current geopolitics did create new opportunities for science diplomacy in and for the Arctic, which cannot be neglected.
This paper was originally published by Arctic Circle Journal and can be found on their website.
(Photo credit: Marie-Anne Coninsx)