Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

Swedish Polar Policies 1945-2000 - from security to sustainable development  (Swedish Polar Policies 1945-2000)

Outline
The project aims to explore the develoment and shifts of Swedish polar policies with means of a discourse analytical method. Departing from the Norwegian-Swedish-British expediton to Antarctica 1949-52 then proceeding to the launching of Swedish modern polar politics towards the Arctic and the Antarctic in the early 80´s the project embrace four case studies in relation to expeditions. The representations of these will be analysed using textual and discourse analysis within the disciplines of political science and international relations. Comparative outlooks will be made towards polar policies of other Nordic countries. The project is planned to last for two and half years and will be carried out by two persons. Archive studies are required in Stockholm, Oslo and Cambridge.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
The project aims to highlight a wider understanding of Swedish polar politics 1945-2000 than the one usually presented in official documentation on Swedish prescence in the Arctic and the Antarctic. The analysis will show that prevailing representations of Swedish polar activities do not fully coincide with actual activitites undertaken. Therefore, this project may be said to enhance the understanding of the human dimension in the polar regions.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?
Access to archives will be required.

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: n/a
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
Access to archives will be required.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
Yes

Parts of the project had been planned already before the announcement of the IPY.

How will the project be organised and managed?
Dr Lisbeth Lewander, Department of Gender Studies, Göteborg university will work together with Dr Hans Lödén, Department of Political Science, Karlstad university (Sweden). Projects start is envisaged for July 2006.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
1) A series of popular lectures will be prepared for undergraduates on the issue of polar politics as an area of interest within the field of international relations. 2) Separate funding will be applied for in order to develop a party game on polar affairs

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Results are to be published in a book.

How is it proposed to fund the project?
National sources of research funding, such as Vetenskapsrådet.

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Lisbeth Lewander
Department of Gender Studies, Göteborg University
Box 215
Göteborg
S-405 30
Sweden

Tel: 46-31-773 4193
Mobile: 0734-227727
Fax: 46-31-7734199
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation