TURNING TIDES: EXPANDING SECURITIZATION AND EVOLVING EXCEPTIONALISM IN THE HIGH NORTH

• Main Author: Hart, Samuel Francis
• Other Authors: Marks, Gary, Hooghe, Liesbet, Bryant, Chad
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Graduate School 2024
• Subjects: European studies; Arctic exceptionalism; NORDEFCO; Arctic security; Arctic; Securitization; NATO
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.17615/chs8-3212; https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/downloads/s4655v169?file=thumbnail; https://cdr.lib.unc.edu/downloads/s4655v169

The Arctic region is thawing, both environmentally and operationally. The result of this meltage is increased geopolitical interest towards the region, which has been followed by securitization and overt militarization—a shift that necessitates reconsideration of the traditional prescription of exceptionalism. This paper evaluates Arctic exceptionalism as the de facto international relations identification for the region, concluding that—in its current form—it does not comprehensively explain the situation in (and impacting) the Arctic. However, neither do contemporary theoretical contributions. This paper concludes that while Arctic exceptionalism in its present understanding—insulated, isolated, and immune—is disappearing, the Arctic is still exceptional. However, while Arctic geopolitical seclusion is no longer a reality, the region is still distinct—if not extraordinary—thanks in large part to geographical circumstances, cultural norms, and persisting institutions. Therefore, nuanced exceptionality through ‘neo-Arctic exceptionalism’ is the most applicable theoretical model to describe the Arctic. Master of Arts