Arctic Fourth World Nations in a Geopolitical Dance
Heidi Bruce
Volume 11, Number 1 (2012) 11 (1): 5-26
Keywords Arctic Region, Climate Change, Indigenous Peoples, Geopolitics, Fourth World Theory, Northern Sea Routes, Adaptation Strategies, Conflict Mitigation, State Expansionism, Indigenous Knowledge Preservation, Arctic Environmental Cultural Continuity
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is rapidly transforming the Arctic through glacial melt and emerging sea routes, profoundly impacting Fourth World nations—culturally distinct indigenous communities. This study examines how these groups utilize conflict mitigation strategies amid expanding commercial/military shipping, emphasizing indigenous knowledge's critical role in addressing environmental, socioeconomic, and governance challenges. Applying Fourth World Theory, it analyzes geopolitical implications including state expansionism, Arctic Council dynamics, and indigenous participation in regional governance. The research explores historical and contemporary adaptations to changing environments, interactions with immigrant populations, and tensions between resource development and cultural preservation. Central findings advocate for conflict transformation frameworks that prioritize environmental sustainability and indigenous self-determination, arguing that effective Arctic futures require centering Fourth World perspectives in policy responses to climatic disruption.
Heidi Bruce
Published June 1, 2012
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright (c) 2025 Heidi Bruce (Author)
Alaska Native Science Commission. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nativescience.org/
Anthropolis. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.athropolis.com/arctic
Arai, T. (2010). Theory and Practice of Conflict Transformation: Study Guide. SIT Graduate Institute, Brattleboro, VT.
Arctic Athabaskan Council. Retrieved from http://www.arcticathabaskancouncil.com
Arctic Council. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/
Arctic Council Indigenous Peoples Secretariat (ACPP/IPS). (2012). Retrieved from http://www.arcticpeoples.org/
Arctic Institute. (2011). Retrieved from http://thearcticinstitute.org/2011
Beyond Penguins and Polar Bears. (2012). Retrieved from http://beyondpenguins.ehe.osu.edu
Blunden, M. (2012). Geopolitics and the Northern Sea Route. The Royal Institute for International Affairs. Retrieved from http://www.chathamhouse.org/sites/default/files/.../88.../88_1blunden.pdf
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2346.2012.01060.x
CBC News. (2012). China seeks Arctic Council observer status. Retrieved from http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/story/2012/02/01/north-china-arctic-pm.html
Center for World Indigenous Studies (CWIS). (2012). Retrieved from http://cwis.org
Doyon, Limited. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.doyon.com/
Etymology Dictionary. (2012). Retrieved from http://etymonline.com
GRID Arendal (UNEP). (2012). Retrieved from http://www.grida.no/
Griggs, R. (1992). The Meaning of 'Nation' and 'State' in the Fourth World. CWIS Occasional Paper #18. Retrieved from http://gml.cwis.org/background/FourthWorld/
Griggs, R., & Hocknell, P. (1996). The Geography and Geopolitics of Europe's Fourth World. Stockton: IBRU Boundary and Security Bulletin.
Hall, A. (2003). The American Empire and the Fourth World: The Bowl with One Spoon. Montreal: McGill-Queen's University Press.
https://doi.org/10.1515/9780773569980-003
Hipwell, W. T. L. (1997). Industria, The Fourth World, And The Question Of Territory. Ontario: Middle States Geographer.
International Forum on Globalization (IFG). (2012). Retrieved from http://www.ifg.org/Programs/indig.htm
Inuit Circumpolar Council. (2012). Retrieved from http://inuitcircumpolar.com/
International Relations Theory Knowledge Base. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.irtheory.com
Manuel, G., & Posluns, M. (1974). The Fourth World: An Indian Reality. Canada: Collier-Macmillan.
Mychajlyszyn, N. (2008). The Arctic: Geopolitical Issues. International Affairs, Trade and Finance Division, Department of Canada. Retrieved from http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/LOP/researchpublications/prb0806-e.htm
Nations Online. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/
Nietschmann, B. Q. (1985). Fourth World Nations: Conflicts and Alternatives. Retrieved from http://tamilnation.co/selfdetermination/fourthworld/bernard.htm
Nietschmann, B. Q. (1994). The Fourth World: Nations Versus States. Retrieved from www.unl.edu/rhames/courses/war/bn1x.pdf
Polar Discovery. (2012). Retrieved from http://polardiscovery.whoi.edu/Arctic/geography.html
Ryser, R. (2011). Series of conversations and communications, 10/11/12-1/15/12. Jalisco, Mexico.
Seton, K. (1999). Fourth World Nations in the Era of Globalisation: An Introduction to Contemporary Theorizing Posed by Indigenous Nations. Fourth World Journal, 5(1), August.
Shadian, J. (2008). Searching for the Indigenous Voice in a New Arctic Scramble: Berlin Conference Part II or a New Global Politics? Retrieved from http://www.e-ir.
Space Daily. (2012). China seeking to expand role in Arctic. Retrieved from http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_seeking_to_expand_role_in_Arctic_999.ht
Snowchange Cooperative. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.snowchange.org/
United Nations Law of the Sea Treaty Information Center (UNLST). (2012). Retrieved from http://www.unlawoftheseatreaty.org/
U.S. Department of State. (2012). Iceland. Retrieved from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/3396.htm
Vela Cordova, R. (2011). Iberian Postcolonialities: A Metahistory of Material Practices of Power. Retrieved from hisp.tamu.edu/research/encyclopedia.html
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Submissions
