Andreas Østhagen

"An Introduction to Arctic Governance and Geopolitics" published on 23 Jun 2026 by Edward Elgar Publishing.

This chapter presents the Arctic as a region of growing international significance in the 21st century. It examines the drivers of global interest, climate change, resource potential, and strategic considerations, while cautioning against oversimplified narratives. The chapter contrasts popular perceptions with the complex realities of Arctic governance and geopolitics, highlighting the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the sovereign rights of Arctic states. It underscores the nuanced interplay between cooperation and competition and situates Arctic affairs within broader global political dynamics. In doing so, it lays the foundation for understanding the region's governance, geopolitical dynamics, and future trajectories, emphasising the need for specificity, critical analysis, and a nuanced approach to Arctic studies.

Most of the Arctic's geographical areas fall within the internationally recognised jurisdiction of one of the eight Arctic states. Consequently, Arctic governance operates largely at the state level, with each state exercising full sovereignty over its territories and managing the issues and challenges within its borders. Still, challenges and coordination issues in international areas and those that transcend national borders cannot always be addressed by one state alone and might require collective effort to be solved. Contrary to popular belief, the Arctic is not an ‘ungoverned’ space. Cooperation among the Arctic states (and the peoples) has a long history, which has led to the establishment of a complex governance system in the region. This chapter aims to unpack this system, while also considering how governance mechanisms can serve multiple purposes simultaneously, facilitating cooperation and stability while also providing states with platforms to advance their interests.