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Short abstract:

The paper deals with multiplicity and disruption of scientific collaboration in the Arctic region in times of urgency (1) during the Cold War (2) during Russian-Ukrainian military conflict through the lens of science diplomacy and STS, with a focus on the co-production of science and geopolitics.

Long abstract:

This presentation discusses the dynamics of scientific collaboration between different stakeholders in the Arctic region through the lens of STS and science diplomacy. Particular focus is placed on scientific encounters and interchanges between Russia and the West during the Cold War, and on the present-day challenges and limitations as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent scientific sanctions on joint work with Russian institutions and scholars. I will explore trans-epistemic assemblages made of human and non-human beings which have been assembled, reassembled and disassembled within Arctic research in turbulent times of climatic urgency and military conflicts. I highlight that the Arctic Council faces uncertain socio-technical imaginaries, particularly regarding climate change knowledge production, mediation and circulation within and beyond the region across the borders. I further develop the concept of science and geopolitics as ‘co-produced’ and analyse how consideration of previous joint research activities and initiatives might shed light on what can be achieved under the present circumstances to restore trust between various actors and transform the Arctic into a more sustainable space in 2024.

This contribution is a traditional paper entangled with a dialogue session centred on the following questions: (1) to collaborate or not to collaborate in the Arctic region in the current geopolitical climate? (2) in which particular ways would non-collaboration be transformative? (3) which lessons from the past could be learnt to transform today's non-collaborative practices?