ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 focuses on regional governance initiatives put forward by Arctic sovereign states. Arctic states have relied on the Arctic Council, as the foremost governance body in the region, to promote norms and standards. At the same time, the Arctic Council has represented a stellar example of inter-state co-operation. Inherent limitations of the Arctic Council have led Arctic states to put forward new forums, in order to include new actors in Arctic governance. The Arctic Circle Assembly and the Arctic Economic Council were developed to address this priority. In both cases, these newer forums have been able to allow new players (companies, non-Arctic states, etc.) to participate as generators and catalysts in developing Arctic norms and rules. However, Arctic states have remained in control. They continue to be the central driving forces in Arctic governance.
