The Great Power Concert Is Back. What Does It Mean for the Arctic?

The Great Power Concert Is Back. What Does It Mean for the Arctic?

Author: Serafima Andreeva January 28, 2026 Duration: 20:21
In this episode of What’s New?, Serafima Andreeva speaks with Iver Neumann, Professor and Director at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, about what the return of great power politics means for the Arctic and for the international system more broadly. Neumann challenges the idea that geopolitics is a simple contest between self-contained states. Power, he argues, rests on social and institutional foundations, not just territory or military capability. When those foundations erode, the consequences...

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: 15

The Circumpolar
Podcast Episodes
What's the deal with Arctic Geopolitics? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:12
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 geopol…
China in the Arctic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:11
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…
Russia's interests in the Arctic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:24
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 wh…
The United States in the Arctic [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:16
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…