As part of Science's Policy Forum feature, the article highlights the impact of science diplomacy in the Arctic, particularly in the context of deteriorating relations between the US and Russia following the conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. Despite this tension the Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation demonstrates the global relevance of science as a tool of diplomacy In advance of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC)'s International Science Initiative in the Russian Arctic (ISIRA) at the Russian Academy of Sciences the authors highlight steps to advance science, its contributions to informed decision-making, and its role in maintaining the Arctic as a zone of peace and cooperation.
In response to the article, the chair of the Standing Committee of Arctic Parliamentarians Eirik Sivertsen (MP, Norway) remarks, "Science is the foundation for making good policies. I also mean that scientific cooperation is very useful tool for establishing and developing mutual understanding and good relations, especially in times with challenging political climate. The Arctic science agreement will encourage to even more scientific cooperation."
Article link: The Arctic Science Agreement propels science diplomacy
Science 03 Nov 2017:
Vol. 358, Issue 6363, pp. 596-598
DOI: 10.1126/science.aaq0890