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Arctic Yearbook 2013
Creating a Framework for Consensus Building & Governance
to play a more significant part in the efforts of the Arctic Council than had been initially assumed by
some.
Sweden Adopts a Role as Chair
Towards the end of the Danish Chairmanship of the Arctic Council, Sweden first began to outline
the particular stance it desired to adopt as the incoming head of that body.
5
Rather than push a
narrow agenda of concerns motivated by national or regional self-interest, Sweden suggested that it
desired to play the role of an ―honest broker.‖ In that capacity it explained that it wished to facilitate
cooperation among all the members of the Council and to build a consensus among them regarding
how they might address a series of significant Arctic challenges. In performing the role of the chair,
Sweden stated that it would act in an even-handed and flexible manner. It would be open and
transparent in its dealings with all members. Perhaps most importantly, it would operate in a manner
which would assist the Council ―to do its work‖ effectively and efficiently. This meant not only
focusing on addressing key policy questions before the Council, but encouraging its members to
implement and follow up on decisions and actions that had already been agreed to earlier.
The Swedish government assembled a team drawn primarily from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs
and the Environment to guide its efforts as chair of the Council for the next two years. Though
brought together at a relatively late date, the members of this team were soon focused on the
challenge of presenting an organized and coherent program for the Swedish Chairmanship. While
several members of the team were relatively young and had not worked on matters related to the
Arctic prior to taking on their new assignments, they had considerable previous experience with
international diplomacy having served in UN and
EU
posts and in other high-profile
Swedish
government roles.
6
Perhaps most importantly, they seemed committed to demonstrating that
Sweden was quite capable of directing the affairs of the Arctic Council and of meeting – or
surpassing – all expectations that had been articulated either at home or abroad.
This focus on professionalism and competence was to become a hallmark of the Swedish
Chairmanship. Its roots go deep into the political and cultural fabric of the nation. To appear
competent, effective or ―duktig‖ has been seen as major preoccupation of Swedish society for much
of its history.
7
It has also featured prominently in the country‘s efforts to demonstrate to the broader
world its capacity to play a significant role in global affairs despite its position as a relatively small
country in traditional power politics terms. Like other ―small states‖ in the international community,
Sweden has retained access to key international arenas through its reputation as being an effective
organizer and promoter of consensus.
i
Demonstrated competence and ―reputational power‖ were
very much at stake in Sweden‘s role as Chair of the Arctic Council and influenced the way it was to
conduct its business.
From the outset of its chairmanship, Sweden emphasized the point that it wanted the Council to be
more than a glorified talking shop. It emphasized the importance of specific ―deliverables‖ that
should emerge from the efforts of its several working groups and the need for all member states and
permanent participant delegations to adequately consult and prepare ahead of all scheduled
meetings. A concerted effort was made to take action on agreed agendas; and time was not to be