With increasing international attention directed northwards, the status of the eight Arctic states has taken on added geopolitical importance. However, a formal title is one thing, while political practice and feelings of attachment are another. This book explores whether there is such a thing as an Arctic state identity, and specifically what this might mean for state personnel. Focusing on three of the eight Arctic states, where identity has been frequently discussed by political leaders--Norway, Iceland, and Canada--the book charts similarities and differences across these diverse state contexts. As becomes clear, there is no singular Arctic state identity, but rather numerous relational articulations of what it means to represent and 'be' Arctic. These identities are narrated as both geographical and historical, yet the ways in which they come to matter are always social, political, and cultural.

The book offers new perspectives and powerful insights from 'inside' the state at a time when Arctic geopolitics is high on the agenda. More broadly, it presents a 'peopled' understanding of geopolitics, charting the rich stories, experiences and reflections of state personnel. Introducing the original concept and framework of 'state identity', the book brings together views of statehood and national identity, showing the human side of representing a state.