The fuzziness of Global Governance - the Arctic example

What is it about?

Global Governance (GG) emerged post-1990 in IR, focusing on cross-border public goods. Our article argues that current detailed approaches miss the bigger picture. We propose a narrative reconstruction to reclaim the vision of global orders. We introduce the concept of "fuzzy governance," emphasizing the complex, interconnected nature of governance across scales. Using the Arctic as a case study, we illustrate how diverse actors and overlapping responsibilities shape global politics. The Arctic, as the fastest warming region, exemplifies fuzzy governance. Its unique political and climatic conditions make it a critical area for studying global governance and boundary practices.

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Why is it important?

Our analysis focuses on legal, cultural, and epistemic boundary practices. These overlapping contexts highlight the fuzziness in governance and the complexity of political interactions in the Arctic. We argue for a shift from introspective approaches to examining the in-between spaces of global governance. This perspective helps re-engage with broader visions and understand the political implications of fuzzy governance. Our narrative reconstruction of the Arctic governance vista sheds light on the multi-scalar connections and interactions. This approach provides new insights into the politics of fuzzy governance.

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