Non-Arctic States’ Role in the High North: Participating in Arctic Governance through Cooperation

Abstract

The new geo- political landscape of the Arctic today is a significant departure from the great power politics that existed in the region during the Cold War era. Apart from traditional Arctic States, more and more international organizations and non- Arctic states are showing an increased interest in this region. This paper explores the growing interests of the three East Asia States, China, Japan, and South Korea, among a select-ed group of non- Arctic states in the Arctic and examines the nature of their interests and motivations in maintaining their involvement and presence in the region. Promoting cooperation is a common policy of these three Asian stakeholders to participate in Arctic governance. China’s approach to Arctic cooperation is elaborated in details which will be crucial to the country’s relationship with other stakeholders in the years to come.