Future-Proofing Japan’s Interests in the Arctic: Scientific Collaboration and a Search for Balance

TY - JOUR

T1 - Future-Proofing Japan’s Interests in the Arctic

T2 - Scientific Collaboration and a Search for Balance

AU - Tonami, Aki

PY - 2014/7

Y1 - 2014/7

N2 - In May 2013 the Arctic states convened in Kiruna, Sweden, in part to decide on whether six new states should be admitted as observers to the Arctic Council. Japan’s application was accepted along with those of China,India, Italy, Singapore, and South Korea. At a glance, one might ask what credentials Japan has to be involved in the leading Arctic forum. However, a closer look at its engagement in the Arctic indicates that Japan has genuine interests in political, economic, and environmental developments there. This essay examines Japan’s interests in the Arctic, its new role as an observer to the Arctic Council, and the international relationships that will affect Japan’s engagement in the region.

AB - In May 2013 the Arctic states convened in Kiruna, Sweden, in part to decide on whether six new states should be admitted as observers to the Arctic Council. Japan’s application was accepted along with those of China,India, Italy, Singapore, and South Korea. At a glance, one might ask what credentials Japan has to be involved in the leading Arctic forum. However, a closer look at its engagement in the Arctic indicates that Japan has genuine interests in political, economic, and environmental developments there. This essay examines Japan’s interests in the Arctic, its new role as an observer to the Arctic Council, and the international relationships that will affect Japan’s engagement in the region.

U2 - 10.1353/asp.2014.0027

DO - 10.1353/asp.2014.0027

M3 - Journal article

SN - 1559-0968

VL - 18

SP - 52

EP - 58

JO - Asia Policy

JF - Asia Policy

IS - 1

ER -