Politics

On Aug. 15, 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin met with U.S. President Donald Trump in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. It will reportedly be the first time a Russian leader has set foot in Alaska since Russia sold the territory to the U.S. 178 years ago.

A Shifting High North Drives Europe to Rebuild Arctic Security

In response to the new geopolitical realities from Russia and China and a divergent USA, key European nations are fundamentally rebuilding their Arctic security through new strategic alliances, policies, and military investments.

The Complex Path to a New U.S. Icebreaker Fleet

The US icebreaker program is struggling amidst high costs and delays while a Finnish-Canadian consortium could help but is hampered by the current trade policy of the US government.

The Polar Retrospective – French Arctic Defense Strategy, gravity waves in the Arctic Ocean and the eruption of a volcano in Iceland

The Polar Retrospective looks at recent stories from around the world’s polar regions. This week we take a look at the French defense strategy for the Arctic, a new research group investigating gravity waves in the Arctic Ocean and the eruption of a volcano.

“No Arctic Sovereignty Without Inuit Security”: Nunavut Leads the Arctic Debate

As the Arctic once again attracts military and economic interest, Nunavut reminds Ottawa and the world of a fundamental truth: Canadian sovereignty in the North cannot exist without the Inuit. Gathered in Iqaluit, political leaders, elders, and youth defended a vision rooted in security, culture, and infrastructure.

The Polar Retrospective – Permafrost thawing, a shift in Nordic skies, and ATCM closure

The Polar Retrospective looks at recent stories from around the world’s polar regions. This week we take a look at ancient permafrost thawing, a change in airline ownership, and the conclusion of Antarctic Treaty meetings without any major declarations.

The Polar Retrospective - Alaskan senator between ice and oil, Antarctic debates in Milan and leopard seals' diet

The Polar Retrospective looks at recent stories from around the world’s polar regions. This week we take a look at an Alaskan senator facing warming state and icy situation in Washington, at the 47th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings, and the impact of leopard seals' diet.

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

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

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"

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

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

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 ?

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

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

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

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

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.

Meeting Heidi Møller in Ilulissat - break free for independence

At the start of her political career last April, this business consultant won the highest number of votes in the Avannaata regional elections. Her socio-liberal vision of empowering Greenlandic society is based on an in-depth treatment of social affairs, with a view to promoting entrepreneurship and responsibility.

Australia Re-elects Labor - What it Means for the Antarctic Program

The re-election of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor government signals a period of stability and policy continuity for the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP).

Podcast Radio Arctic – Female Leadership and Entrepreneurship across the Arctic

In conversation with prominent Arctic female figures, Sara Olsvig, Tahnee Prior, Sarah Cox, and Lydie Lescarmontier, Radio Arctic uncovers the critical intersections of gender, governance, and sustainability in the polar regions.

Denmark, Greenland and Iceland Navigate a New Geopolitical Reality

The new geopolitical reality is affecting security policy in the Arctic, and Denmark, Greenland, and Iceland are adapting by discussing new approaches.

Meet Palle Jerimiassen - 28 years of politics in Ilulissat

Having just announced his retirement from political life, the mayor of Ilulissat agreed to meet polarjournal.net and look back on his long career at the helm of the country's 3rd largest city.

The Baffin Island crossing was nothing new

A British adventurer recently found herself at the heart of a controversy after claiming to be the first woman to cross Baffin Island solo. Her claims prompted a backlash from Inuit in a backdrop of cultural reappropriation.

Greenland's Political Marriage: Navigating the Harbor of Governance

After the election in Greenland, it is unclear with whom the big winner, the Demokratiit wants to sail into the safe harbour of a stable political marriage.

The Demokraatit party must forge alliances

At a press conference held at the International Press Centre, Rasmus Leander Nielsen, professor at the University of Greenland, discusses the potential coalitions that Demokraatit could form.

A right turn for Greenland

The Demokraatit party wins Greenland's March 11 elections. A turnaround in the island's politics.

Greenland’s online spaces are at risk - and the stakes have never been higher

Just two months ago, a report concluded that Greenlandic Facebook feeds were free of foreign disinformation. Now, after the country has been the center of the world’s attention, one of the authors of the report is not confident that this conclusion would hold true today.

The Polar Retrospective - Russia-US Arctic oil talks, a withdrawn documentary, 'glacial fracking', and Greenlanders' genes

This week we look at the latest statement of Russian official Kirill Dmitriev, a now withdrawn documentary, glacial fracking, and a new study on Greenlandic genes.

Greenland's prime minister Múte B. Egede during his New Year's Speech on January 1st. Photo: Naalakkersuisut

Three topics that will decide Greenland’s upcoming election

On March 11th, Greenland will hold a parliamentary election with much more international attention than usual. Polar Journal AG looks at three topics that form divisions among the campaigning politicians.

The Polar Retrospective - A portal to the ice, three new vessels, and the pursuit of Antarctic bird flu

The Polar Retrospective looks at recent stories from around the world's polar regions. From last week we chose: a new logistics portal, a Chilean hunt for bird flu, and an increase in Arctic military spending.

Denali, the ever-changing name mountain

It is the highest peak in the United States and is changing its name again. Mount Denali is back in the spotlight following a presidential executive order renaming it Mount McKinley. Explanation.

The Polar Retrospective - Alaskan drilling, Greenlandic protests, and a year of glacial preservation

From the week where Donald Trump became president we look at his drilling ambitions in Alaska, continued protests in Greenland, and a year dedicated to glaciers.

Climate change is fuelling Trump’s desire to tap into Canada’s water and Arctic resources

Rising temperatures, a melting Arctic and increasing global water and resource scarcity are behind United States President Donald Trump’s threats to make Canada the 51st American state.

Terkel Husum Isaksen were not impressed with what he percieved as threats from the incumbent American president. Photo: DR

The quiet voices lost in Greenland’s Trump saga

In the media storm surrounding the Trump interest in Greenland, many opinions have been extreme. This article gathers a few nuanced takes from locals.

Geopolitical turmoil, anti-institutional demagoguery and krill fishing

Under the weight of the latest unsuccessful disagreements, notably due to geopolitical instability, krill fishing could be less sustainable this year. Sea Shepherd is back on the front line. At the risk of destabilizing the institutions that guarantee a precautionary fishery? An opinion.

Report on the "Fishing in the Polar and Southern Regions" round-table discussion

Last week in France, a round-table discussion on polar fisheries offered an interesting counterpoint between the Arctic and Antarctic, focusing on the consequences of geopolitical instability on the rational, clean and sustainable use of the ocean's living resources.

The pub Daddy's is known locally in Nuuk as a place where Danish people often go. But while Trump Jr. was there that did not seem to be the case. Photo: Donald Trump Jr. on X

Donald Trump wants Greenland again. Could he actually succeed?

The Trump plan is clear: Greenland should become part of the US. But could it actually happen?

Across the world, activists were calling for the release of Paul Watson from jail in Greenland. This photo was taken in Paris, France, on November 24th, 2024. Last week, the protester got their wish. Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Polar Retrospective - A free Watson, birds perishing, a giant iceberg moving and the successor of Polarstern

The Polar Retrospective looks at recent stories from around the world's polar regions. This week, we tell you about the release of activist Paul Watson, a heatwave that killed million of common murres, the drift of giant iceberg A23a and the upcoming arrival of Polarstern II.

Signe Ravn-Højgaard represents the Think Tank for Digital Infrastruture. She wrote her Ph.d. at the Department of Journalism at Ilisimatursafik, the University of Greenland. Photo: The Think Tank for Digital Infrastructure

As AI makes Arctic languages accessible, fears of disinformation rise

The Greenlandic public debate used to be immune to foreign influence but in recent months it has become available to hostile foreign actors.

Protests outside the Inatsisartut, the Greenlandic parliament, on November 9th. The sign says 'Vi er her for Zammi', - 'We are here for Zammi'. Zammi is the daughter of the Greenlandic woman Keira Alexandra Kronvold who recently had her Zammi removed in a case from Denmark. Photo: Pernille Benjaminsen

People of Greenland are protesting the forced removal of their children

In cases of forced removals of children, Danish authorities do not sufficiently consider how culturally different the people of Greenland are.

Underwater curtains: a risk for the Antarctic Treaty?

Underwater curtains could be installed in Antarctica, but this technique for preserving glaciers is controversial. Two researchers, a lawyer and a political scientist, have explored the consequences of their deployment on the functioning of the Antarctic Treaty.

Trump's new term bodes ill for the Arctic region

Donald Trump's re-election to the presidency of the United States and the latest announcements concerning the formation of the government may well have toxic effect on the Arctic equilibrium, in terms of both security and climate. Timo Koivurova, a Finnish expert on Arctic affairs, shares his analysis.

Norway apologizes to the Sami people

On November 12, the Norwegian Parliament apologized to the Sami and the country's Indigenous populations for the policy of forced assimilation and its consequences, which are still very much with us today.

Tropical climatic phenomenon affects Antarctic fishery

A recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports shows that El Niño and La Niña influence the recruitment capacity of Antarctic toothfish in the Ross Sea, a succulent fish sold at a good price. These results will no doubt be discussed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.

Cross inspection of Casey and Dumont d'Urville research stations

Last summer, the scientific stations operating on the east coast of Antarctica, both French and Australian, passed the cross inspection test, an Antarctic Treaty transparency exercise.

"These companies are destroying the environment and harming the local people in Chukotka"

The Beringovsky mine has been operated since 2016 by an Australian company, which withdrew from the project this summer. The company avoided Western sanctions thanks to a complex set-up of Cyprian and Russian companies, but none of this would have been revealed had the mine not been the scene of an environmental and human disaster. Ilya Shumannov, CEO of Arctida, conducted an extensive investigation. He told us all about it.

Culture

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Guest article

Tourism in Greenland: a fragile balance, an update after the elections