Inuit diplomacy in the circumpolar north

Abstract

Over the past three decades, the Inuit peoples of the circumpolar north have played an increasingly important and influential role in Arctic affairs. Multilateral, transnational organizations such as the Inuit Circumpolar Conference (ICC) have represented and defended Inuit interests and have participated directly with international and state agencies, as well as other non‐governmental organizations, in a number of important environmental and development initiatives. This diplomatic effort is multi‐faceted and draws considerable strength from the efforts of particular individuals who have championed the Inuit cause. Although the ICC will find that its collective influence in the future is challenged by internal divisions, a lack of capacity, and bilateralism, all of which are affected by the increasing regional autonomy of Inuit regions, this organization will remain at the forefront of Inuit efforts to respond to the political, economic, and social challenges facing the circumpolar north.

Au cours des trois dernières décennies, les Inuits du nord circumpolaire ont joué un rôle le plus important et influent dans les affaires arctiques. Des organisations multilatérals transnationales telles que la Conférence circumpolaire inuite (CCI), représentent et défendent les intérêts inuits et participent directement à l'action d'organismes nationaux et internationaux ainsi que d'organismes non gouvernementaux, dans un grand nombre d'initiatives environnementales et de développement. Cet effort diplomatique présente nombre de facettes et tire une énergie considérable de l'action d'un certain nombre de personnes qui se sont fait les champions de la cause inuite. Bien que la CCI estime que son influence collective est menacée par des divisions internes, un manque de capacité et le bilatéralisme, qui sont tous le fait d'une plus grande autonomie des régions inuites, cette organisation restera au centre des efforts inuits pour relever les défis politiques, économiques et sociaux auxquels fait face le nord circumpolaire.

Notes

Gary N. Wilson is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Northern British Columbia. His current research examines multi‐level governance and intergovernmental relations in the Russian Federation and Canada. His articles have appeared in The Northern Review, Polar Geography, and Post‐Soviet Affairs. The author thanks the editors and anonymous reviewers for their valuable comments and suggestions on earlier drafts of this article, and acknowledges the excellent research assistance provided by Ryan Dyck.