This book examines the functions of conferences within Arctic governance, as a third dimension between sovereign states and formalized cooperative arrangements. It analyzes conferences against the background of three main empirical topics. Firstly, the functions of conferences for different actor groups, both Arctic rights holders and emerging non-Arctic state actors claiming stakeholder status. From this, the book also analyzes how conferences contribute to altering the actor composition of Arctic governance as a whole. Secondly, conferences as agenda setting arenas – whether conference activities can contribute to influencing the broader agenda in the region, and conferences as arenas for agenda setting – whether participants can bring with them topics that are picked up and brought into other processes. Thirdly, the book considers the space for conferences within broader governance architectures, as links between units in the regime complex.
The book further presents an in-depth case study of the two largest conferences on Arctic issues: the Arctic Frontiers and Arctic Circle Assembly. It illustrates the diverse functions conferences can have for elements within a broader governance system, beyond serving as meeting places and networking arenas. Therefore, it is a must-read for researchers, students, and policy-makers interested in a better understanding of Arctic governance in particular, and International Relations in general.
Author(s): Beate Steinveg
Series: Frontiers in International Relations
Publisher: Springer
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 177
City: Cham
Acknowledgments
Contents
Abbreviations
List of Figures
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 A Theoretical Framework for Global Conferencing
1.2 Studying Arctic Governance
1.3 Outline of the Book
References
Chapter 2: Analytical Framework and Cases
2.1 A Theoretical Framework for Global Conferencing
2.1.1 The Neorealist Perspective on International Relations and Actors in the Arctic Conference Sphere
2.1.2 The Multiple Streams Framework and Agenda-Setting at Conferences
2.1.3 Regime Theory and the Arctic Governance Architecture
2.2 Central Developments in the Arctic Conference Sphere
2.3 The Ideal Model of a Conference
2.4 Arctic Frontiers
2.4.1 The Structure and Organization of the Arctic Frontiers
2.4.2 Participants and Partners of the Arctic Frontiers
2.4.3 The Arctic Frontiers´ International Outreach: Seminars Abroad
2.4.4 The Value of the Arctic Frontiers for Norway
2.4.5 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Arctic Frontiers
2.5 Arctic Circle Assembly
2.5.1 Structure and Organization of the Arctic Circle Assembly
2.5.2 Participants and Partners of the Arctic Circle
2.5.3 The Arctic Circle´s International Outreach: Arctic Circle Forums
2.5.4 The Value of the Arctic Circle Assembly for Iceland
2.5.5 Strengths and Weaknesses of the Arctic Circle Assembly
2.6 Two Different Models for Conference Organizing?
References
Chapter 3: Arctic Governance: Actors, Processes, and Structures
3.1 Arctic States and Their Interests in the Region
3.2 Emerging Non-Arctic Stakeholders
3.3 Non-governmental Organizations in Arctic Governance
3.4 The History and Structure of the Arctic Council
3.5 Arctic Governance Arrangements
3.5.1 The Arctic Five and the Law of the Sea
3.5.2 Barents Cooperation
3.5.3 Nordic Cooperation
3.5.4 The Arctic Economic Council
3.5.5 The Arctic Science Ministerial
3.6 Concluding Remarks
References
Chapter 4: Actors
4.1 The Functions of Conferences for Arctic State Representatives
4.2 The Functions of Conferences for Non-Arctic State Representatives
4.3 The Epistemic Community in the Arctic Conference Sphere
4.4 Business Representatives at Arctic Conferences
4.5 The Functions of Conferences for Institutions and Non-governmental Organizations
4.6 Indigenous Peoples at Arctic Conferences
4.7 Local and Regional Representatives at Arctic Conferences
4.8 Conferences as Tools of Statecraft, Innovative Instruments, and Arenas for Expanding the Arctic Community
References
Chapter 5: Agenda-Setting
5.1 The Arctic Frontiers: Keeping the Arctic Ocean on the Agenda
5.2 The Arctic Circle Assembly: Agenda-Setting Through the Mission Councils
5.3 The Problem Stream: Globalizing Arctic Issues
5.4 The Policy Stream: Developing and Selling Ideas at Arctic Conferences
5.5 The Political Stream: Conferences as Arenas for Coalition Building
5.6 Conferences as Agenda-Setting Arenas
References
Chapter 6: The Arctic Governance Architecture
6.1 Geopolitics: Conferences in a Changing World Order
6.2 Conferences as Supplements to the Arctic Council
6.2.1 Expanding the Arctic Agenda
6.2.2 Broadening Stakeholder Involvement in Arctic Affairs
6.3 The Arctic Governance Regime Complex
6.4 Conferences Within the Arctic Governance Architecture
References
Chapter 7: Governance by Conference
7.1 Two Different Models for Conference Organizing
7.2 The Functions of Conferences for Actors in Arctic Governance
7.3 The Agenda-Setting Function of Conferences
7.4 Conferences Within the Arctic Governance Architecture
7.5 Concluding Remarks and Areas for Further Research
References
Index
