Japan & South Korea in the Arctic

Japan & South Korea in the Arctic

Author: Serafima Andreeva June 3, 2026 Duration: 17:50
Japan and South Korea became Arctic Council observers on at the same time in 2013, and they usually get filed alongside China as "Asian observers." But Tokyo and Seoul are not the same actor. Alma Karabeg is writing her PhD on Japan and South Korea in the Arctic at UiT The Arctic University of Norway. We get into what actually drives the engagement (it is partly nation-building), why sustainability is the frame she uses to read both strategies, and how each country handles Russia after 2022. ...

Hosted by researcher Serafima Andreeva, What's New? Arctic Geopolitics cuts through the noise to explore the complex forces shaping the far north. This isn't just about ice melting; it's about the intricate dance of power, policy, and people in a region undergoing rapid transformation. Each episode delves into the real-world implications of governance frameworks, security concerns, and the economic interests converging at the top of the world. You'll hear clear explanations of how international law applies in frozen seas, why military posturing is increasing, and what local communities stand to gain or lose. Supported by the expertise of the Fridtjof Nansen Institute and the Arctic Institute, the conversations are grounded in rigorous research yet remain accessible. Tuning into this podcast means moving beyond headlines to understand the foundational shifts in Arctic geopolitics. Serafima guides discussions with a range of experts, from scientists and diplomats to Indigenous leaders, providing a nuanced picture of a region at a crossroads. For anyone curious about global politics, climate strategy, or simply the future of one of the planet's most critical frontiers, this series offers essential context. The analysis is timely, the topics are pressing, and the insights will change how you view the map.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 25

The Circumpolar
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