Introduction to Arctic Governance and Geopolitics

This timely book provides a foundational overview of the governance and geopolitics of the Arctic, an area which has moved from the margins of world politics to a region of global relevance. Identifying the main trends and drivers shaping Arctic politics, the authors move beyond a simplified portrayal to bridge regional and global dynamics and offer a nuanced understanding of what is happening in the region. Evaluating key tensions, complexities and relationships, Iselin Németh Winther and Andreas Østhagen analyse the subregions, resources, disputes, partnerships and actors that shape cooperation and competition in Arctic politics. They also look to the future with scenario-based explorations that emphasise the need for specificity, critical analysis and a multifaceted approach to studying this increasingly contested region. This book is a crucial resource for students and scholars of Arctic studies, international relations, geopolitics, political science and international law. It is also prime reading for policy analysts, legal practitioners and historians seeking a deeper understanding of the factors that are driving Arctic politics.