The Arctic Council’s meetings and projects have positively affected prospects for international relations in the Arctic post Cold War. The recent exclusion of Russia from almost all activities of the Council is an outlier in the long-term performance of the Council. The AC began in 1996 as a low-stakes arena to protect the environment and promote development, and has delivered on this directive. Evidence for this includes treaties that have been negotiated and signed onto as a direct product of the council and presence of Permanent Participants. Our text describes the United States’ and Russia’s eventual acquiescence and participation in AC oil and gas assessments. Both countries signed onto the Arctic Climate Impact Statements while their respective administrations were resistant to domestic legislation concerning climate change. The Permanent Participants stand as another testament to the AC promoting positive international relations. The AC is an unusual body in the international space due to its inclusion of the Permanent Participants. No other international body puts indigenous people in a similar position; this is not to put the AC on a pedestal or to absolve its participants of the long-term horrors wrought upon indigenous nations residing within their borders, but to point out why this body has successfully promoted cooperation.