30 Questions
What was the reason for seven of the Arctic Council's eight members suspending their participation in March 2022?
Russia's invasion of Ukraine
What is the main concern regarding the call for revitalizing old forums or creating new ones for the discussion of military security matters in the Arctic?
It may not advance the cause of peace in the region
What was the reason for seven of the Arctic Council's eight members suspending their participation in March 2022?
Russia's invasion of Ukraine
What is the main mission of the Arctic Council?
To promote and preserve Arctic sustainable development and environmental protection
What did Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov call for in relation to military security matters in the Arctic?
For extending positive relations to encompass the military sphere
What is the Arctic Council's main mission?
To promote and preserve Arctic sustainable development and environmental protection
What does Russia do after making facts on the ground in a particular region?
It seeks to engage in dialogue with other countries to normalize its actions
Which country assumed the revolving chairmanship of the Arctic Council in May 2021?
Russia
When did Russia assume the revolving chairmanship of the Arctic Council?
May 2021
What is the value of an Arctic security dialogue according to the text?
It is thin, especially when it comes from the Russians themselves
How has the Arctic Council handled diplomatic disagreements among member states in the past?
By finding a compromise that satisfies all parties
What is the speculated name of the new international body that the West may form without Russia?
Nordic Plus
What is the "Nordic Plus" speculation mentioned in the text?
A new international body without Russia
What percentage of the Arctic's population does Russia account for?
Nearly half
Which countries would likely be disproportionately impacted if Russia pushed for buffer zones near its borders in the Arctic?
Norway, Sweden, and Finland
When is the Arctic Council likely to resume operations?
Spring 2023
What percentage of the Arctic's population does Russia account for?
Nearly half
What is the main reason why Russia may not be interested in discussing military security matters with NATO?
It believes it would have an upper hand in a new Arctic forum
When is the Arctic Council likely to resume operations?
When Russia's chairmanship ends in spring 2023
What is the premier forum for Arctic cooperation according to the text?
The Arctic Council
What will happen to the Arctic Council's legitimacy and agenda when it reconvenes?
It will shrink, and only the least controversial Arctic issues will be addressed
What will the rising tensions do to the Arctic Council?
Transition it from a high-level diplomatic facilitator to a low-level tactically-oriented talk shop
What is the likely outcome for the Arctic Council's legitimacy and agenda when it reconvenes?
They will shrink, and only the least controversial Arctic issues will be addressed
What are some of the "soft security" issues that should be addressed in the Arctic according to the text?
Climate change, oil pollution, and economic impacts of increased shipping
Will the Arctic Council's working groups and scientific research operations continue to operate?
Yes, they are politically insulated
How will rising tensions affect the Arctic Council's role?
It will transition to a low-level tactically-oriented talk shop
What does Russia's actions in the European security theater demonstrate according to the text?
That engagement only goes so far to limit its ambition or temper its militarism
Which country will assume the chairmanship of the Arctic Council in May 2023?
Norway
What is the potential risk of creating new military forums for discussing security matters in the Arctic?
Increased militarization in the region
When will Norway assume the chairmanship of the Arctic Council?
May 2023
Study Notes
- The Arctic Council was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in January 2022, but seven of its eight members suspended participation in March due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- The council's mission is to promote and preserve Arctic sustainable development and environmental protection.
- Russia assumed the revolving chairmanship of the council in May 2021, with priorities focused on cooperation.
- The council has previously navigated diplomatic disagreements among member states, but the disagreement over Ukraine was irreconcilable.
- Speculation has arisen that the West will form a new international body without Russia, called "Nordic Plus."
- Russia accounts for nearly half of the Arctic's population, over half of the Arctic's coastline, and the majority of Arctic industry, energy production, fishing, and shipping.
- The Arctic Council will likely resume operations when Russia's chairmanship ends in spring 2023 or when a resolution is reached to end the war in Ukraine.
- The council's legitimacy and agenda will shrink, and only the least controversial Arctic issues will be addressed when it reconvenes.
- Rising tensions will transition the Arctic Council from a high-level diplomatic facilitator to a low-level tactically-oriented talk shop.
- The council's six working groups and scientific research operations are politically insulated and will likely continue to operate.
- The Arctic Council has eight permanent members
- The council's core missions are sustainable development and environmental stewardship
- A forum is needed for transborder regional issues
- The Arctic Council is capable of cooperation even in difficult times
- Norway will assume the chairmanship of the council in May 2023
- If the seven members do not rejoin, there will be a governance vacuum
- The race for the Arctic will accelerate in this vacuum
- This acceleration could be dangerous
- The Arctic Council is important for addressing localized issues
- The council's preservation is necessary for its mission.
Test your knowledge of the Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum promoting sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic. Learn about the council's history, mission, and recent suspension of participation by seven of its eight members in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Explore the implications of this suspension and potential paths forward for the council, including speculation about the formation of a new international body. Challenge yourself to understand the importance of the Arctic Council for addressing localized issues and preserving the Arctic's unique environment.
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