The balance between critical thinking and paradigm thinking in the Arctic: Scientific cooperation across theoretical divides

Abstract Kuhnian’ paradigms are a commonly used method of explaining the structure knowledge production within social sciences; however, in some ways, they also opposition with Popperian’ critical thinking. The opposing approaches surmount to comparative analytic – Kuhn advocates undertaking science that is incommensurable, discipline-specific and ideologically metaphysically fixed nature; whilst Popper pluralistic, rebellious, interdisciplinary, adaptable. This article utilises systematic literature review key peer-reviewed articles, book chapters online articles from respected sources relating Arctic scientific cooperation during since Cold War order provide qualitative data source for theoretical analysis. analyses trends environmental decision-making utilising constructivist framework based on epistemological challenges visible “Science Wars” between Thomas Karl Popper. By applying two foundations (critical thinking paradigms) International Relations Geopolitics, this assesses state and; potential solve wicked problems. concludes there power relationships background which impacts current further propels along trajectory degradation.