Thematic Network on Arctic in Asia and Asia in the Arctic

This TN aims to bridge the growing symbiotic interest and active engagement between the Arctic and Asia, and we argue that it fits into the vision of inclusivity of the University of the Arctic in the advancement of «education, science, research and policy based on reciprocity, equality and trust between northerners and other partners». It also aims to interrogate the swiftly growing interest, presence, and engagement of Asian stakeholders in the Arctic -- whether as scientists and researchers, tourists, artists and curators, entrepreneurs, or policy-makers.

Goals

Our continuing goal is to create and strengthen knowledge and understanding on the relationship between the Arctic and Asia, including the lessons that may be learned from each other on, but not exclusive to these topics:

  • the resolution of border disputes in the Arctic compared with Asia;
  • the economics and logistics of the transshipment of goods from Asia through Arctic waters;
  • questions of region-building in the Arctic and in Asia through institutionbuilding, etc.: e.g. comparing the Arctic Council and ASEAN;
  • Asian influence in the Arctic Council;
  • UNCLOS in the face of climate change and marine biodiversity in comparative perspective;
  • Asia as a market for Arctic tourism;
  • advancing sustainability science in the Arctic and Asia in global climate change;
  • indigenous peoples in Northern Japan and the Arctic in comparative perspective;
  • science diplomacy between the Arctic and Asia;
  • China’s belt and road initiative and its meaning for the Arctic;
  • Cross-border experiences in comparative perspective;
  • Polar orientalism;
  • Asian entrepreneurial interest in the Arctic;
  • comparing sustainable and conventional energy markets in Asia and the Arctic, etc. 

Each of these may form a foundation for teaching, research, and outreach activities led by a TN on The Arctic in Asia, and Asia in the Arctic. 

Activities

  • Planning and creation of a multi-disciplinary PhD Summer School to be held in 2021.
  • Publication of a collection of articles on Regional Development in the Arctic in Asia and Asia in the Arctic in a peer-reviewed journal or an anthology in a NSD-ranked publishing house. Expected in 2021.
  • A Seminar on The Arctic in Asia and Asian in the Arctic: China in Focus with the Barentsspektakel Festival on “Chinatown”, 13 February 2019
  • Application for funding to establish an UArctic Thematic Network on The Arctic in Asia and Asian in the Arctic, April 2019
  • Application to the UArctic to establish an UArctic Thematic Network on The Arctic in Asia and Asian in the Arctic, April 2019
  • Presented the application to to establish a Thematic Network on The Arctic in Asia and Asian in the Arctic to the UArctic 2019 meeting, September 2019
  • Organised an international conference on The Arctic in Asia and Asia in the Arctic: Opportunities and Challenges, in Kirkenes, 2-3 October 2019.
  • Planning meeting towards the creation of a PhD course on The Arctic in Asia and Asia in the Arctic with partners from the Republic of Korea, Japan, Finland, and Norway.
  • International Water Association (IWA) – Asia Pacific Regional Group (ASPIRE) Conference, Hong Kong. Espiritu presented a coference paper entitled “Negotiating water as a resource: the benefit-sharing dynamics of managing hydropower in a triborder region in the European Arctic.”, 31 Oct – 2 Nov 2019

Other Information

Aileen Espiritu, Lead of the UArctic Thematic Network on Arctic in Asia and Asia in the Arctic