The Arctic Game

• Main Author: Nuernberger, Sarah E.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Digital Commons @ DU 2012
• Subjects: Arctic; Geopolitics; Climate change; Policy analysis; Josef Korbel School of International Studies; Climate; International Relations
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/894; https://digitalcommons.du.edu/context/etd/article/1893/viewcontent/Nuernberger_denver_0061M_10582.pdf

Since outsiders first visited the Arctic, they have believed in man's ability to conquer the region. Today's Arctic conquest is not one of heroic exploration, but rather one of ownership and exploitation. This paper illustrates contestation in the Arctic through the metaphor of a game, with attendant prizes, players, and rules. It focuses on how to prevent the future destruction of the Arctic given the interactions of the Arctic's landscape, prizes, players, and current management frameworks. In the wake of renewed resource exploitation and escalating climate change impacts, the current frameworks and mindsets are inadequate to support the precarious balance of cooperation and competition in the region. The presence of an indigenous population is a defining characteristic of the Arctic landscape, requiring a change from traditional policy methods as an appropriate management tool. Turning toward leadership from northern indigenous populations and following the example of cooperation initiated by the natural science community may be the best way forward to prevent a dystopian future for the Arctic.