SOCIAL SCIENCES & HUMANITIES

The Humanities and Social Science Working Group (HSS WG) consists of NARI members and associate members engaged in all disciplines within the humanities, and social sciences. Our members include a diverse range of academics and professionals from all different career stages, both Irish and international, and new members and non-Arctic experts with an interest in the region are always welcome. Where feasible, the HSS WG will also promote interdisciplinary collaboration with the marine and terrestrial NARI working groups. 

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The geographic area in which the HSS WG is focused on can be broadly defined as including the northernmost regions/territories of the following; Norway, Sweden, Finland, Canada, Russia and the United States [Alaska], in addition to the entire land mass of Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands [the latter two territories are part of the Kingdom of Denmark].  

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There are four key aims of the Humanities and Social Sciences Working Group 

• To support current and future research of Irish Arctic and Northern Studies across multiple disciplines spanning the humanities, and social sciences through providing information, reading lists, academic papers and other resources on the NARI website

• To encourage collaboration on the creation of academic papers, research projects and educational events/workshops amongst working group members and associate members 

• To organise meetings and research activities for working group members

 

To demonstrate that HSS WG members have the capacity to contribute expertise for Irish participation in the Arctic Council’s sustainable development working group (SDWG) and the Emergency Preparedness, Prevention and Response (EPPR) working group. Should Ireland’s Application for Observer status be successful (pending the Senior Arctic Official Meeting in May 2021).

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1) Historical and cultural heritage of Arctic and Northern regions 

 

Historical research themes

• Early Christian Ireland and the diaspora of Irish clergy to Scotland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and across the Atlantic

• Ireland’s strong Viking heritage as a result of successive waves of incoming Nordic peoples during the Middle Ages; 

• 19th and early 20th century Arctic explorers of Irish origins

• Irish servicemen who volunteered in the British Forces during WWII and whom were deployed to Northern and Arctic regions

 

Cultural heritage research themes

• The diaspora of Irish music, dance and cultural traditions to Northern regions 

• Cultural and anthropological studies of Arctic and northern peoples including indigenous studies, linguistics, oral histories and traditional music and dance 

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2) Climate change, sustainable development and society in Arctic communities

• Behavioural change

• Decision making

• Perceptions of risk (e.g. effects of climate change)

• Food economies and Health

• Participatory decision making

• Diversity and inclusion

• Digitalization and connectivity

• Architecture and the built environment of the North

 

3) Politics, Security, and International Relations of the Arctic

• Ireland’s Application for Arctic Council Observer status

• Politics and governance of the Arctic Council 

• Non-Arctic states and Arctic Council Observers

• Comparative Arctic politics

• Arctic security, defence and NATO

• The Arctic and linkages to Outer Space and satellite development 

• Theories of International Relations (IR) and the Arctic

• The EU and the Arctic