Eda Ayaydin and Olga Lauter are presenting respectively the results of their research on Arctic geopolitics and introducing their networking activities within USAPECS on 1st June at the Arctic Congress 2024 in Bodø in Norway.
Eda Ayaydin (PhD at MIARC)
Geo-Epistemology and Monopolies of Knowledge: Evaluation of Expertise in the Arctic Council
This paper examines critiques of geo-epistemology and explores the determinants of relevant knowledge and expertise within the dynamic geopolitical discourse of the Arctic region. Primarily, the paper analyzes how Global International Relations (IR) categorizes world politics based on geographic references, such as Western/non-Western or national/international. This categorization is notably evident in the Arctic region's context, where distinctions between Arctic and non-Arctic states prevail. This framework tends to associate knowledge primarily with specific geographic locations, emphasizing boundaries while neglecting the transnational origins of knowledge and expertise. Then, the paper examines the participation of Spain and the rejection of Turkey and Greece as observer states in the Arctic Council, raising questions about the criteria used to assess their expertise. This paper aims to demonstrate two key points: Firstly, it uses the Arctic Council as a case study to demonstrate how knowledge monopolies influence the validation of knowledge. It also highlights the absence of consistent standards for evaluating the expertise of non-Arctic states. Secondly, the paper demonstrates that Global IR is often Eurocentric, influenced by its geo-epistemology, and tends to adhere to a worldview rooted in specific cultures and regions inherited from empires. The conclusion drawn is that this division may not necessarily lead to the development of expertise and effective governance in the Arctic region; instead, it may result in the reification, recognition of expertise based on spatial imaginary and common established ideological views.
Session:
Knowing and Ordering the Arctic: Studying Arctic Expertise
1st June 2024 11:00 - 12:30 Thon Nordlys Hotel - Room: Landego
Olga Lauter (PhD at MIARC)
Exploring the Past, Present, and Future of USAPECS: Lessons from a Decade of Supporting Early Career Research Across National and International Polar Networks
Navigating the multitude of organizations and institutions involved in Arctic research can be daunting for those just beginning their careers, from outside traditional academic circles, or from historically excluded communities. To foster connections and encourage the inclusion of these groups within broader Arctic, Antarctic, and Alpine research communities, USAPECS was formed in 2014 as the national committee representing the United States members of the Association of Polar Early Career Scientists (APECS). Led by a board composed of volunteers, USAPECS has engaged in a variety of activities and partnerships with US and international institutions and networks. Over its 10 years of operation USAPECS has sought to bring together early career researchers from across disciplines and backgrounds, including underrepresented groups, to support and showcase their work. This has included collaborations with IARPC, PSECCO, APECS, and ARCUS as well as online webinars and roundtables, conference presentations and networking and social events, an annual blog series, and the International Polar Film Festival. In particular, USAPECS aims to advance the principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) through its collaborative efforts. Based on input from past and current members, participants, and other partners, this presentation provides an overview of the ongoing work of USAPECS and its collaborative activities with a focus on lessons learned over the past decade and plans for the future.
Session:
Building & Sustaining Strategic Linkages for Network-to-Network Arctic Research Collaboration
1st June 2024 13:30 - 15:00 Quality Hotel Ramsalt - Room: Hundholmen
