by Mingming Shi
1) In accordance with recent developments in Arctic international relations, including the repeated calls by the American President for the acquisition of Greenland, the post-2022 full invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and Moscow’s enhanced cooperation with China in the high north, the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP), a Sweden-based think tank presented a report on the dynamics between the three great powers in the Greenland context. Examining the geopolitical features of the island, including military, oceanic and natural resource facets, the document draws a few conclusions. First, the US is now facing trust issues with its transatlantic partners; Second, China’s main interests in Greenland rest in economic gains, which have not been materialised in a large scale. Third, Russia does not evidence any direct strategy towards Greenland, and its considerations are centrally driven by the military presence by the US in Greenland and the island’s strategic location close to NATO members in the North Atlantic.
2) Researching nature in the Arctic does not depend solely on cutting-edge technology and high precision equipment. In a new article posted in the Arctic Portal, it’s explained that scientists are sometimes also required to be capable of collecting data in person in harsh environments. A group of researchers were trained in Finland to conduct research under under Arctic ice. The programme emphasised the physical strength of divers, as well as teamwork. A typical team consists of a few members, including the personnel diving under the ice, and others responsible for rescue and other safety issues.
3) Donald Trump, President of the United States, had threatened that he was ‘absolutely’ considering ceasing the membership of his country in NATO, given that the alliance refused to back the US-Israeli war on Iran. However, as many sources correctly point out, it would be legally and practically difficult for the US to proceed with this potential action. Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Foreign Minister of Iceland, commented on this issue in a news story in RÚV by quoting Article V of the NATO Treaty to emphasise the importance of being a strong ally, and suggested that the US has also benefited from this defensive organisation.
4) Visitors and local residents in Iceland alike have been facing higher prices due to inflation. The Icelandic government announced that it was planning to take measures to maintain the economy and reduce the impact of indexation measures, such as price hikes. According to recent comments by Iceland’s Central Bank, inflation has been most visible in rising costs for both fuel and foodstuffs.
Over the Circle 