01 D eve l o p m e nt of I AS C
1.1
Initiation of the International Arctic
Science Committee (IASC):
Odd Rogne with contributions from Robert
W. Corell and Vladimir M. Kotlyakov
need for a strong circumpolar scientific organization
that would not be restricted to specific scientific
disciplines.
Another important aspect of understanding developments in the Arctic is its geopolitical significance
after World War II.
International scientific cooperation in the Arctic has
a long and interesting history. In order to under-
stand why the International Arctic Science Commit-
Glasnost and Perestroika
tee (IASC) was established, it is important to learn
The Cold War was a strong reality in the Arctic, as
about the initiatives and cooperation that preced-
the Arctic Ocean represented the shortest distance
ed it. IASC did not start from nothing, but evolved
between the superpowers (the USA and the USSR).
through a series of developments. The background
Military infrastructure was being ramped up on both
to IASC is well documented in the contribution by
sides, as well as early warning systems, to prevent
Fred Roots (see Chapter 3.1) and will not be repeat-
missile attacks. Although it was a terrible situation,
ed here.
Arctic scientists and weather observatories benefitted to some extent from the development of
Although this paper focuses on the history of IASC,
infrastructure and transportation.
due prominence should be given to emerging circumpolar scientific thought, and the essential role
This development cooled during Khrushchev´s time
of science in the Polar Regions as a component of
and discussions among the Arctic rim nations (those
world scientific consciousness.
bordering the Arctic Ocean) began. The initial agenda was broad. However, it was soon n