3 credits | I&S Credit | 2014 Fall Quater | MWF 3:30-4:20pm | THO 135 | SNL: 22642 | Instructor: Nadine Fabbi (nfabbi@uw.edu) *Core Requirement for the UW Minor in Arctic Studies
The Arctic – home to 400,000 indigenous people – is emerging as one of the most dynamic regions in global geopolitics in no small part because of the role of Arctic indigenous peoples in international relations and sovereignty efforts. For arguably the first time in history, indigenous peoples are engaged in foreign policy and international politics on almost equal par with nation‐states. For example, six Arctic indigenous organizations have claimed Permanent Participant status on the Arctic Council, a high‐level intergovernmental body formed in 1996. This status gives Arctic peoples a legitimate voice in decision shaping and policy making for the region.
Indigenous self‐determination is typically achieved as part of a decolonization process in which a particular group wins increased autonomy at the domestic level. However, what is occurring in the Arctic encompasses both domestic and international political engagement. This emerging phenomenon has not been given much attention nor is it well understood. Yet, Arctic indigenous peoples are shaping future international policies that have implications for the circumpolar world and beyond. Scholars now argue that the Arctic is a unique region where reform can take place. The Arctic is viewed by some as a potential laboratory for international collaboration and the site for meaningful engagement between nation‐states and Arctic indigenous peoples.
This course will examine the characteristics of the Arctic as an emerging region in the world including the Arctic Council, the international and national Inuit associations, Arctic foreign policy, climate change, and issues of sovereignty and security from both nation‐state and indigenous perspectives. The course will draw in policy studies, spatial analysis and customary international law to understand how Arctic indigenous peoples are furthering their voice and interests in the Arctic.
Students will gain insight into these developments by reading the speeches of Arctic leaders and scholars, analyzing the declarations and policies of nation‐states and indigenous organizations, reading articles from major U.N. declarations, and via listening to key leaders and scholars on video recordings.
The goal of the course is to provide each student with an understanding of the Arctic as a distinct global region and with a foundation in the emerging developments in Arctic indigenous mobilization and sovereignty. The course will utilize Arctic indigenous maps, films, video clips, art and music to enhance understanding of the course content and to bring the Arctic indigenous voice, culture, sensibilities and philosophies to the classroom.
