Category: Politics

"The Sámi want to be part of the defense value chain, so to speak"

Camille Lin

The Norwegian Sámi Parliament urges greater inclusion in defense planning, citing poor coordination and risks to their culture amid rising military activity. They call for dialogue with authorities, protection of Sámi resources, and representation in NATO planning. Martin Rimpi, senior advisor at Árran Lulesámi Center, explains the issue in an interview to polarjournal.net.

U.S. Polar Budget: Cutting Ties with an Antarctic Icebreaker

Guest Author

Antarctic geopolitics expert William Muntean explains why the Trump administration's budget cuts will negatively impact US polar policy altogether and give countries such as Russia and China an almost insurmountable advantage in Antarctica.

"If the military doesn't understand the livelihood, they don't understand the losses and damage their activities cause to the Sámi, either"

Camille Lin

Military activities in the Arctic are intensifying without any real consultation with the Sámi. Despite their rights to these lands, their governance is poorly integrated, threatening a subsistence-based culture such as reindeer herding. Finnish social scientist Laura Junka-Aikio provides some insight in an interview.

France welcomes (quietly) Greenland

Guest Author

Despite its unprecedented nature, Greenland Minister Vivian Motzfeldt's visit to France in May 2025 went almost unnoticed. French polar policy expert Arthur Amelot explains this discreet diplomatic gesture. Yet it is rich in symbolism, and could mark the beginning of a strategic rapprochement between Paris and Nuuk, at a time when Greenland is establishing itself as a central player in the Arctic. Tribune.

NATO gains altitude in Bodø

Camille Lin

Last Thursday in Bodø, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Norwegian Prime Minister Gahr Støre made official the creation of an air base north of the Arctic Circle. A strategic turning point in the face of Russia, which rekindles tensions over the militarization of the Arctic and respect for the indigenous rights of the Sami people.

Will the Trump administration's budget cuts have an impact on Antarctic protection ?

Camille Lin

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is cutting funding for polar research in the USA. Could these disruptions to Antarctic research have an impact on Antarctic protection? In an interview, Evan Bloom, a former US diplomat specializing in polar affairs, explains the implications of the US decline in Antarctica.

Nuuk prison more than full

Camille Lin

A European report describes the conditions of detention in Nuuk prison and denounces a number of shortcomings, while also describing its positive aspects.

Arctic development as seen by the Russian population

Camille Lin

A study conducted by Arctida surveys Russian public opinion on the Kremlin's plans for the Arctic. Environment, defense, and mining... here are some of the responses in figures.

Denmark and Greenland Navigating Arctic Geopolitics as Diplomatic Icebreakers

Dr. Michael Wenger

In contrast to the warming of the Arctic, Denmark and Greenland have taken over the chairmanship of the Arctic Council during an icy phase and need to act as icebreakers.

The Polar Retrospective – A Chilean plan for Antarctica, US agencies spying in Greenland, and new Arctic coastlines

Polar Journal AG Team

The Polar Retrospective looks at recent stories from around the world’s polar regions. This week we take a look at Chile's presidential commitment to the Antarctic, reports about US intelligence gathering in Greenland, and the emergence of new Arctic coastlines as glaciers retreat.