From Regional Transition to Global Change
30
the Environment). The reaction – sharp would be an understatement – of the international
community to Russia‘s temporary closure of RAIPON; the unprecedented effect the ICC‘s
condemnation of the EU‘s ban on sealskin products had on its application for observer status at the
AC; Greenland‘s acquisition of its own AC ‗seat‘ for issues of direct relevance, however ill-defined,
after a temporary Arctic Council boycott; and China‘s courting of Greenland are further examples of
their evolving position on the world stage – and one that makes no promises of being smooth, as
Greenland‘s elections of this year make clear.
Conclusion
The articles that follow in this edition of the Arctic Yearbook touch on these themes as they
document how Arctic geopolitics have rapidly evolved throughout the year. They are testimony of a
new era in the Arctic. Produced by authors coming from various backgrounds and different regions
of the world – Arctic and non-Arctic states alike – they are in essence a reflection of how the
circumpolar North has gained unprecedented attention beyond its borders by individuals who wish
to take part in the process of a global Arctic dialogue. They are also articles that offer descriptions
and analysis on key issues relevant globally and locally, identifying multiple traditional and non-
traditional actors, factors and processes of Arctic change, taking into consideration the contextual
and historical evolutions that engage a critical reflexion and debate on geopolitics and security.
Furthermore, the Arctic Yearbook, through its scholarly articles and insightful commentaries, has
innovatively brought together scholars and stakeholders to share through this open access platform
their respective viewpoints on how Arctic futures are shaping. This collaborative dialogue between
science and policy (makers/shapers) – which is tested and further developed in new kinds of
academic platforms for interdisciplinary discussion, such as the Northern Research Forum‘s Open
Assemblies – will continue to drive the work of the Arctic Yearbook in the years to come.
To conclude, we would like to acknowledge the academic authors for their thought-provoking
articles; our commentators for providing insight into the Arctic from their unique vantage points;
President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson for contributing the preface; our reviewers for their constructive
feedback on the academic articles; the Editorial Board members for their ongoing guidance;
NORDREGIO for map development; TD Bank and Dorset Fine Arts for the cover image; and,
Arctic Portal for their invaluable graphic design and web hosting. Finally, thanks to the readers of
the Arctic Yearbook 2012 – our inaugural edition – for their interest, valuable feedback and
comments.
References
AHDR
(2004).
Arctic Human Development Report,
Akureyri: Stefansson Arctic Institute.
Exner-Pirot, H. (2013). What is the Arctic a Case of? The Arctic as a Regional
Environmental Security Complex and the Implications for Policy.
The Polar
Journal
. 3(1): 120-135
.