What's New? Arctic Geopolitics

Serafima Andreeva
  • 5.0 (1)
  • POLITICS

Explaining Arctic geopolitics, governance and security.Supported by the Fridtjof Nansen Institute and the Arctic Institute

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Why the Arctic Matters to Canada’s Security

    In this episode of What’s New?, Host Serafima Andreeva is joined in Ottawa by Nicholas Glesby, Network Administrator at the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network and PhD candidate at Trent University, to unpack how Canada views the Arctic from an international and security perspective. The conversation explores Canada’s new Arctic foreign policy and its four pillars, the growing emphasis on sovereignty and Arctic diplomacy, and why Ottawa increasingly sees the Arctic as shaped by global geopolitical developments rather than as a conflict zone in its own right. Glesby explains how Canada understands emerging threats from Russia and China, how climate change intersects with security planning, and why the Arctic has become central to Canada’s defence priorities. A major focus of the episode is the role of NORAD, including the history of continental defence, early warning systems across the Canadian Arctic, and the current push to modernize North American defence in response to advanced missile technologies. The episode also addresses Canada–US defence cooperation under the Trump administration, why military cooperation has remained remarkably stable, and how Canada is deepening Arctic cooperation with Nordic partners. This episode focuses on Canada in the global Arctic — its foreign policy, defence posture, and role in North American and circumpolar security. A follow-up episode will explore local and Indigenous perspectives in Canada’s Arctic, focusing on governance, lived security, and the priorities of Northern communities.

    16 min

  2. 12/31/2025

    What's the deal with Arctic Geopolitics?

    In this episode, our guest Prof. Andreas Østhagen covers the ebbs and flows of Arctic Geopolitics, and how they intertwine with international relations elsewhere. This discussion covers the rapid changes in Arctic geopolitics, potential conflicts, hybrid threats, and the influence of non-Arctic states like China and India. We also explore the concept of Arctic exceptionalism, hybrid threats, and the importance of cooperation amidst rising tensions.

    22 min

  3. 12/17/2025

    China in the Arctic

    In this episode, Erdem Lamazhapov (Researcher, FNI) is a guest, and we explore China's interests in the Arctic, focusing on scientific research, commercial ambitions (shipping), and geopolitical strategies. We talk about the Polar Silk Road initiative, China's "identity" as a near-Arctic state, and common misconceptions about its role in the region. Additionally, the conversation addresses concerns about dual-use technologies in scientific research and speculates on future trends in China's Arctic engagement amid rising great-power competition.

    23 min

  4. 12/09/2025

    Russia's interests in the Arctic

    In the second episode of "What's New?", we will be covering Russia in the Arctic. Our guest, Pavel Devyatkin, has been researching Russia for some years and is currently working from Moscow. We cover issues related to why the Arctic is important for Russia, whether it is a threat in the region, as well as the cooperation between China and Russia.

    18 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    The United States in the Arctic

    In this conversation with Dr. Gabriella Gricius, we explore the role of the United States in the Arctic, focusing on military, economic, and environmental interests. We discuss shifts in Arctic policy in the second Trump administration, the significance of the Arctic Council, and the complexities surrounding U.S. ambitions in Greenland. We also cover misconceptions about U.S. power in the Arctic and the relationship with Canada, culminating in recommendations for a more nuanced U.S. approach to Arctic affairs.

    26 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Explaining Arctic geopolitics, governance and security.Supported by the Fridtjof Nansen Institute and the Arctic Institute

Information

  • Creator
    Serafima Andreeva
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 What's New? Arctic Geopolitics
  • Show Website
    What's New? Arctic Geopolitics