institute of europe
the institute of europe of the russian academy of sciences
The Arctic in the period of globalisation and geopolitical instability
- 03 February 2022
On January 30 - February 3, 2022, D.S. Timoshenko, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Arctic Studies, Department of Country Studies, IE RAS, took part in the International Winter School of the Center for International and Regional Policy CIRP-2022 "The Arctic in the Period of Globalisation and Geopolitical Instability", which was held in Veliky Novgorod.
The paticipants considered activities of the United States, European and Asian countries in the Arctic, analysed the interests of Russia, issues of economic, social, environmental security and development in high latitudes, as well as legal aspects and issues, international cooperation prospects, personnel potential and human resources for the Russian Arctic, economic development, as well as the development of MICE tourism and international scientific network.
On February 1, D.S. Timoshenko moderated the panel discussion "The Future of the Arctic: Cooperation or Confrontation", and opened it by outlining main problems and priorities facing Russia during the chairmanship in the Arctic Council and Arctic Economic Council in 2021-2023 in the context of geopolitical instability. The panel discussion was held in Russian and English. The following speakers delivered presentations and reports: Consul General of the Kingdom of Norway in St. Petersburg R. Scarborough, Professor of St. Petersburg State University Ya.V. Leksyutina, researcher at the Arctic Institute (Washington) P. Devyatkin, and scientific secretary of the Project Office for the Development of the Arctic (Moscow) I.R. Vodolazov. As a moderator D.S. Timoshenko made introductions for each panellist, remarks on speakers presentations, logically linked one topic to another, and managed the audience questioning.
On February 2, D.S. Timoshenko delivered the presentation “Development of international cooperation in the economy and tourism during Russia's chairmanship in the Arctic Council. Main Tasks” at the section “Connecting the Arctic: transport, energy, tourism”. In her speech, she informed colleagues about the goals of IE RAS Center for Arctic Studies, focused on the Arctic legal framework, outlining features of economic development and scientific cooperation between the countries related to the Arctic Council. She also presented an analysis of tourism development and prospects, focusing on scientific tourism as a tool for reducing the conflict potential in high latitudes.
While staying in Veliky Novgorod, D.S. Timoshenko supervised scientific work of "the Arctic Tourism" project group and also held several scientific consultations with members of student groups who studied the Arctic Council, Ecology, and Soft Power in the Arctic.
The participants of the Winter School were most interested in the panel discussion with representatives of diplomatic missions of St. Petersburg within the section "The Arctic Challenge: Strengthening the Rivalry of Global Players (Russia, the EU, China, the USA)". The diplomats who took part in the section in person were: Carl Peersman, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Richard Nygaard Scarborough, Consul General of the Kingdom of Norway; Stefano Weinberger, Consul General of Germany; Jan Čížek, Consul General of the Czech Republic; Joel Kaspar Veidebaum, Consul, Consulate General of the Republic of Estonia; Jussi Soini, Consul, Deputy Head of Mission, Consulate General of Finland.
The lecture of Pavel Gudev “The Arctic vs. Antarctica: A Comparison of Legal Regimes” was of particular interest. He spoke about the legal framework that determines economic development in two polar zones, and outlined main problems of modern international maritime law and fishing activities.
Representatives of IMEMO RAS, Diplomatic Academy, MGIMO, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg State University of Technology and Economics, Higher School of Economics, Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund and other institutions and organisations made presentations and took part in the discussions.
Foreign speakers originated from foreign ministries of the Kingdoms of the Netherlands and Denmark, the Arctic Center of University of Lapland, University of Helsinki, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, German International Affairs Council, Arctic Institute of Washington and other research institutions.
Students and postgraduates of Diplomatic Academy, MGIMO, Moscow State University, St. Petersburg State University, NArFU, Higher School of Economics, St. Petersburg State University of Technology and Economics, Tyumen State University, NGLU, NovSU, RSU named after S.A. Yesenin, SamSU, studying international relations, political science, international journalism, took part in the work of Winter School, dedicated to the Arctic issues.
The conference was held in English and Russian.
D.S. Timoshenko held a series of negotiations with representatives of diplomatic missions and academia to intensify bilateral cooperation between scientific institutions and research centers studying Arctic issues with the Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences.
Main organisers of the event: Center for International and Regional Policy (CIRP), Gorchakov Foundation, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Russia.
