We’re at the Point Where European Leaders Want to Use Military Muscles to Deter the US Comment: Greenland's member of the Danish Parliament, Aaja Chemnitz, calls for a European and Nordic military exercise in Greenland as a response to Donald Trump's threats. Diplomatic language is no longer deterring. Our closest ally must be deterred with military power.
Who to Trust? Danish or Norwegian Intelligence? Comment: We are about to close on a turbulent year, to put it mildly. It might have been the most turbulent any of us can remember. So let us hope that next year offers something different, such as the Arctic remaining a region without armed conflict.
Locked Up in Washington, Murkowski Gave an Almost Absurd Insight Into American Madness Reykjavik (Comment): A deeply affected US Senator, Lisa Murkowski, spoke via videolink to 2,000 participants at the international Arctic Circle conference here in Reykjavik yesterday. She was supposed to be on stage, but instead showcased an involuntary digital demonstration of the madness of US politics.
Secretary McMahon Should Consider Establishing a National Resource Center on Arctic Studies within the University of Alaska System The U.S. Department of Education needs to address the geographic bias against Arctic Studies and Pacific Studies in the NRC Program. That could start with the establishment of a Center for Arctic Studies within the University of Alaska System, writes researcher Michael Walsh in this op-ed.
Amid War and Tariffs, the Biggest Crises Are Forgotten Comment: Lately, everything revolves around war with weapons and tariffs. Yet, there are greater threats than that lurking under the surface. There just isn't any place for them in the news.
Security for the High North: The Cold War Op-ed: US Army Veteran and historian Mike Thornton provides a historical perspective on the current tensions in the High North, applying Cold War lessons to today's situation. Appeasement was not effective when confronting Hitler in 1938, and it will not work now when confronting Vladimir Putin in 2025, he writes in this op-ed.
When the Snowy Owl Rescued the Reindeer Although Norway boasts of many laws that secure participation and protection of Sami rights, the practical implementation falls short of expectations. This leaves doubts in the hearts of the Sami community, who are worried about the erosion of trust, and the Norwegian government must do what it can to change the situation, writes PhD Research Fellow Larry Ibrahim Mohammed.
Shipping Industry Must Seize Opportunity Posed by Arctic Heavy Fuel Oil Ban On July 1st, an International Maritime Organization ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil by Arctic shipping will come into force. At first glance, this looks like great news indeed for the Arctic environment, and the people and wildlife who depend upon it. Unfortunately, it’s not so simple.
Iron Ore Ships Are Replaced By War Vessels. The New Normal in the North. Commentary: It is not just the view of the Vestfjord, in which iron ore ships have been replaced by military vessels, that has changed. Our entire northern entitlement has been given a new rationale. Yet, this is still about Russia and resources.
Bestiality was First Killed by Silence – Now It Should Not Drown at the Hands of Bureaucracy Commentary: The Corona virus is an invisible enemy that creeps up on you, though it also conceals other important processes in society. In 2016, a story was revealed in Northern Norway that received attention far and wide, a story about sexual abuse, violence and negligence in a small community. The final report about what it will take to avoid future assaults has been shrouded in silence.
Editorial: Shall Drug Money Bring Northern Norway Into the Future? Data centers appear to be the current frenzy in Northern Norway, where local businesses and politicians are courted by entrepreneurs who often turn out to be crypto currency miners. Is this how we want to use our pure, renewable North Norwegian energy surplus, asks our Editor-in-Chief Arne O. Holm.
Op-ed: When Longyearbyen Adapts to Increasing Ship Traffic The Arctic is changing and that affects our local communities. Changes to climate and ecosystems may create both opportunities and challenges to business and management. Reduction of sea ice makes coastal communities in the Arctic more available for ship traffic. At the same time, we know too little about how this affects these communities.
Op-Ed: Transport infrastructure in the Arctic: a catalyst for growth for the Russian and global economy
Op-Ed: The EU in the Arctic: Correcting Misconceptions The time has come for Arctic states to try to understand the European Union and acknowledge its investments in research, development and education in the region, and its contribution to Arctic governance. It should be formally accepted as an observer to the Arctic Council.
