“Nothing About Us Without Us” -Rhetorical Analysis of Greenland’s Arctic Policy

Year 2024, Volume: 13 Issue: Özel Sayı, 175 - 194, 10.10.2024

Alexandra Middleton

Abstract

This study investigates Greenland's Arctic policy, issued in February 2024, through rhetorical analysis, to understand how Greenland envisions its future role in the Arctic, considering geopolitical and cultural historical factors. Utilizing critical policy analysis employing rhetoric, this research examines numerous rhetorical dimensions of Greenland’s Arctic policy document. Findings reveal that Greenland positions itself as a strong, independent actor in Arctic affairs, emphasizing the principle "nothing about us without us." The results demonstrate that Greenland’s Arctic Policy is forward-looking, metaphorical, and assertive, reflecting Greenland's clear vision of its role in Arctic geopolitics and its demand for a significant presence in forums, such as the Arctic Council. This analysis contributes to a broader understanding of policy argumentation by highlighting the importance of qualitative evidence, ethical considerations, and balanced rhetorical device use in shaping persuasive policy documents. This study offers valuable insights for academic research on policy rhetoric and practical discussions on international relations and Arctic affairs.

Keywords

Arctic, Greenland, Policy, Rhetorical Analysis

“Biz Olmadan, Bizimle İlgili Hiçbir Şey Olmaz” – Grönland’ın Arktik Politikasının Retorik Analizi

Abstract

Bu çalışma, Grönland'ın Şubat 2024’te yayınlanan Arktik politikasını, jeopolitik ve kültürel tarihsel faktörleri göz önünde bulundurarak, Grönland'ın Arktik'teki gelecekteki rolünü nasıl öngördüğünü anlamak için retorik analiz yoluyla incelemektedir. Eleştirel politika analizi yöntemi kullanarak, Grönland’ın Arktik politika belgesindeki çeşitli retorik boyutlar değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular, Grönland’ın kendisini Arktik meselelerinde güçlü, bağımsız bir aktör olarak konumlandırdığını ve “biz olmadan, bizimle ilgili hiçbir şey olmaz” ilkesini vurguladığını ortaya koymaktadır. Sonuçlar, Grönland’ın Arktik Politikası’nın ileriye dönük, metaforik ve iddialı olduğunu, Grönland’ın Arktik jeopolitiğindeki rolü konusunda net bir vizyona sahip olduğunu ve Arktik Konseyi gibi forumlarda önemli bir varlık talep ettiğini göstermektedir. Bu analiz, ikna edici politika belgelerini şekillendirmede nitel kanıtların, etik değerlendirmelerin ve dengeli retorik araç kullanımının önemini vurgulayarak politika argümantasyonunun daha geniş bir şekilde anlaşılmasına katkıda bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışma, politika retoriği üzerine akademik araştırmalar ve uluslararası ilişkiler ile Arktik meseleleri üzerine pratik tartışmalar için değerli bilgiler sunmaktadır.

Keywords

Arktik, Grönland, Politika, Retorik Analizi

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