Denmark and Greenland in Arctic politics: How external attention may change their internal relationship

Within the study of international relations (IR), the project will provide new understandings of quasi-states by analyzing how (para)diplomatic practices are decisive in defining and possibly expanding their room for maneuver, and by showing how geostrategic interests in their particular region can present new opportunities and risks in their strive for more self-determination. As part of Arctic area studies, the project will contribute with the first in-depth study of how DK and GL articulate and act their united and separate interests. This is also of relevance to other countries in the Arctic region as it demonstrates how vertical disputes within a composite state may change the horizontal relations between states when hitherto subordinated actors gain more authority.

The project will consist of three sub-studies focusing on how diplomats use their domestically formulated national identity narratives to position DK and GL in Arctic politics. These will be conducted in continuation of a discourse analysis, which will be used in triangulation with interviews and ethnographic observations, altogether showing how diplomats' differences and similarities are performed, and how this alters the DK- GL relationship and their respective room for maneuver. Practically, this will be done by interviewing diplomats in Copenhagen and Nuuk, as well as by observing their interaction at high-level Arctic gatherings such as Arctic Council ministerial meetings and circumpolar conferences.