Arctic science diplomacy after Exceptionalism

Abstract

For over three decades science diplomacy in the Arctic operated within a remarkably cooperative framework, often identified as ‘exceptionalism’. Circumarctic research was largely insulated from geopolitical tensions. This era was abruptly ended by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and the international isolation of Russia. This article, informed by the author’s history of engagement in Russian arctic research and in science diplomacy, examines the transition from a unified to a fragmented research environment. The current rupture in scientific relations has created a crisis by disconnecting a substantial part of the global system – including several of the planet’s climate ‘tipping elements’ - from many of the networks configured to understand it. This epistemic gap is compounded by a severe weakening of ‘soft-power’ communication between countries that are poorly aligned strategically. While the fourth International Conference on Arctic Research Planning has provided a strong blueprint for arctic research over the next decade, and the fifth International Polar Year (2032-33) presents an exceptional opportunity to implement this plan, the future of collaborative research remains uncertain as the research community attempts to move towards a model of conditional engagement in a multipolar environment.