ABSTRACT
Sub-national governments have been diplomatically active in the Arctic region for decades, in a phenomenon called Arctic paradiplomacy. Arctic paradiplomacy has been articulated at the subregional level, with the Northern Forum and the Barents Euro-Arctic Region (BEAR) representing the most advanced examples of multilateral paradiplomacy. The achievements of the BEAR highlight that subnational governments are active actors when pragmatic co-operation and cross-border issues are central. These actors also have developed co-operative ties with other non-traditional actors (companies, non-governmental organizations, etc.). The relatively open nature of the Arctic governance system allows subnational governments to voice their positions and pursue their interests. As such, they have been active participants at the Arctic Circle and Arctic Frontiers conferences.
