The Understanding Peace in the Arctic conference is a timely international event that will bring together international researchers that contribute to the understanding of the Arctic, ranging from natural sciences, to social sciences and art. The link between science/research and policy(making) is a central feature of Arctic affairs, not least as the region is undergoing rapid changes and science is demonstrating that there is an urgent need to act.

The purpose of the conference is to show the ways in which research across the disciplines play a crucial role in contributing to peace in the Arctic, and the continued relevance of our Arctic research to developing policy.
 
The keynote speakers, who have worked together under the “Fulbright Arctic Initiative” will help shape the dialogues taking place at the conference, and represent varied backgrounds, including medicine and health, marine biology, anthropology, environmental studies, sustainable urban and regional development, international law, art, economics, environmental conservation and protection, sociology and political science, among others. This wide range of scholars are not necessarily peace researchers themselves, but their work contributes to the understanding of peace and conflict in the Arctic, as well as to measures necessary to continued assurance of a peaceful Arctic.
 
We invite therefore participants from all backgrounds to present their own research and findings, and/or experiences as Arctic residents, to contribute and add to these dialogues.
 
The Understanding Peace in the Arctic conference will showcase the ways in which this diverse research is pivotal to peace in the region, as well as identify current and future challenges that need further developments in research and policy.  The conference will also serve as the first official event and springboard for the Fulbright Arctic Initiative Legacy project.
 
Topic suggestions

  • How does Arctic research translate into policy, and how do these policies further cooperation/peace in the Arctic?What roles can and do local Arctic communities play in the creation, maintenance, and sustainability of peace in the Arctic?
  • How can communication, interaction, and cooperation between research communities and local communities be improved, not least to strengthen research and policy recommendations?
  • How can individual researchers contribute to cooperation across disciplines?
  • How can (Arctic) scientists contribute to spreading knowledge to and engage central regional / state decision makers?“Science diplomacy” – Science as a means to inform foreign policy objectives, facilitate international cooperation and to improve (international) relations between states?
  • How can Arctic conferences be arenas for actors from different sector belonging (government/ research institutions/ universities/ companies) to meet and develop initiatives that can inform policy and action?
  • What are outcomes of (the vast number) of Arctic events and conferences? How to follow up various initiatives?
  • Can and/or when does science contribute to potential conflict discourses and policies in the Arctic?
  • Should we characterize the Arctic region as “peaceful”? What assumptions are embedded in this characterization and how peaceful is it?
  • Is the Arctic, despite or because of its diversity in climate and politics, unique as a “region”? 

Abstracts should be no longer than 400 words.

Send to Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv, UiT: gunhild.hoogensen.gjorv@uit.no