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. While both Russia and China have stepped up their Arctic policies by also continuing to build new icebreakers and ice-
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.French LHA Dixmude with snow in a Norwegia
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, an
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.Svalbard airport overview, Image: Fasttailwind
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. Governmental and non-
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 Ár
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. With its FY 2026 Budget Request for the National Science Fo
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 insig
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 betwee
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 the question of r
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
A European report describes the conditions of detention in Nuuk prison and denounces a number of shortcomings, while also describing its positive aspects.Nuuk prison. Image: Kriminalforsorgen “The atmosphere seemed fairly relaxed,” describes a May 12 report by the European Committee for the Preventi
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. On April 2, the NGO Arctida published the results of a telephone survey it had conducted in Russia. The pollsters were able
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 Arctic, a realm of frozen seas and unique challenges, often demands powerful icebreakers to forge paths forward, yet in a del
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.As glaciers retrea
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
The old and new Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. His re-election was anything but certain. But voters trusted him more than his opponent Peter Dutton, a right-wing conservative often called “Temu Trump”. Image: Australian government CC-BY SA 4.0The re-election of Prime Minister Anthony Al
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. While progress is being made, female leadership in the Arctic still fa
The new geopolitical reality is affecting security policy in the Arctic, and Denmark, Greenland, and Iceland are adapting by discussing new approaches. The long-held view of the Arctic as a region of low tension and scientific cooperation is rapidly eroding, primarily driven by a lot of uncertaintie
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.Palle Jerimiassen, mayor of Ilulissat and the Avannaata region. Image: Camille LinIt stretches out above the
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. Baffin Island, with Davis Strait in the background. Great, majestic landsca
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.Calm conditions in Aappilattoq, South Greenland. A symbol for the future government in Nuuk? Photo: Michael WengerGreenland’s recent elections h
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.With the result of this election, Denmark is faced with a more pronounced questioning of Greenland’s status.
The Demokraatit party wins Greenland’s March 11 elections. A turnaround in the island’s politics. Demokraatit party HQ at the election results on the evening of March 11. Image: Screenshot / DR.DK A militarized threat, a courtesy call and an investment proposal… The American president’s initiatives
