“Go North, Young Man” — Gendered discourses on climate change and security in the Arctic

Abstract

The Arctic is one of several hot spots in the world where impacts of climate change are expected to be especially acute. The melting of the ice cap has put the Arctic back on the map of geopolitics. But are the environmental changes related to climate change likely to threaten peace and stability in the region? Currently, there are two competing discourses dominating the discussion about climate change and security in the Arctic. One highlights the danger of competition and conflict; the other emphasizes the need for cooperation. This paper discusses the tension between those two discourses from a feminist perspective, using concepts related to gender, masculinity and femininity to explore the values underpinning the different approaches. Are feminine values still pushed to the margins in the field of geopolitics? Or have they entered the stage as an accepted player, capable of useful contribution to the shaping and implementation of policy?