Securing the Arctic : A comparative study of mainstream media representation of the securitization of the Arctic in Norway and Canada

Abstract: This thesis aims to describe and compare how the securitization of the Arctic is represented in mainstream media of Norway and Canada. As two Arctic nations part of the likeminded group in international relations it is interesting to see how national media frames respective nations’ Arctic interests and strategy. Based on securitization and framing theory this thesis identifies themes and trends surrounding the Arctic by using three different security concepts: economic security, traditional security and environmental security. The data for study will be in total 189 full-text articles from both nations’ mainstream media, where search terms relating to a security grammar will be used. A qualitative content analysis will be employed on articles from Norwegian media, specifically Aftenposten, and Canadian media, The Globe and Mail. The analysis will show that both Norwegian and Canadian mainstream media thematically framed the securitization of the Arctic predominantly through the same security concepts. Yet there were differences in relation to attitudes towards Arctic securitization where Canadian media showed a more assertive disposition towards other nations involvement. Norwegian media, on the other hand was more inclined towards regional cooperation.