The Arctic as a regional international society: Examining cooperation and conflict in the High North

This study aims to analyze the Arctic region through the English School Theory, specifically exploring the primary institutions and international society present in the region. It considers the Arctic as a regional international society and explores the role of diplomacy and international law institutions in shaping the Arctic regional international society. It argues that the Arctic regional international society has been built in a way that fosters cooperation among Arctic states and establishes a rules-based regional order that serves the interests of all parties involved. Through an examination of the Arctic Council, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and declarations and agreements among the states of the region, it identifies the main institutions underpinning the Arctic regional order and analyzes the extent to which they have contributed to the formation of a regional international society. This study emphasizes the importance of understanding the functions of the components that contribute to the formation of a regional international society and the values, rules and institutional framework that make the Arctic exceptional in international relations. Overall, this study aims to contribute to the growing literature on regional international societies and provide a better understanding of the Arctic as a unique region within the international system.