The book assesses the role of non-state actors in the Arctic region, provides a deep insight into democratic legitimacy of Arctic governance, and analyzes modes of influence by non-state actors. Sellheim himself studied in the Arctic Studies Program and worked as an intern at the UArctic International Secreariat, before earning his PhD at the University of Lapland

The chapter, The University of the Arctic (UArctic) as a Non-state Actor in the Circumpolar World, was contributed by Heather Nicol (Trent University), Michel S. Beaulieu (Lakehead University) & Diane Hirshberg (University of Alaska Anchorage) - all with long-time and extensive involvement in UArctic.