The Simons Foundation

Co-convened by The Simons Foundation and School for International Studies, Simon Fraser University, under the auspices of the Simons Visiting Chair in International Law and Human Security, School for International Studies, Simon Fraser University.
April 11-12th, 2008

In 2007, revelations about the impact of climate change on the Arctic, as well as actual events in the Arctic, led to this region becoming the focus of international attention. Recognizing the importance of the subject to both national and global affairs, Simon Fraser University’s nascent School of International Studies decided to engage in a voyage of intellectual exploration by examining the different aspects of Arctic security. We were fortunate in having The Simons Foundation agree to be a co-convener as we set about structuring a dialogue conference around the various issues.

As stated in the Concept Paper we drafted in December 2007:

“Extensive and multi-faceted changes are taking place in the Arctic, and the region’s significance in the politics of international relations, in regard to security questions – in both the narrow sense and in that of wider human security – and in regard to the human rights of its indigenous peoples, is perhaps greater than ever before. Climate change is bringing about a shrinking of the ice-cap and a reduction in the area of sea-ice, which may allow navigation through Arctic waters and will make for easier access to seabed resources. This, in turn, is already leading to the mobilization of competing claims to sovereignty, and in the absence of a clear and comprehensive legal regime, the countries of the region, like Canada, are seeking to increase their military presence there. A further factor here is that of the recent stepping up of tensions between the United States and Russia, which have historically confronted each other across the Arctic. Environmental change will also have a profound effect on the livelihoods of indigenous peoples, both directly and through its implications for the militarization of the region.”

To read the free downloadable PDF version of this book CLICK HERE