Author: Over the Circle

by Marc Lanteigne This month, another front in the widening ‘trade war’ between China and the United States was threatening to open over the possibility of exports of rare earth elements (REEs) being subject to an embargo by Chinese authorities. The potential effects on many current and emerging high technologies, including environmental (or ‘green’) technology applications, could… Continue reading Rare Earth Elements: A Northern Treasure Chest? →

In the past few months, the topic of Arctic security has become more visible in the wake of American debates about increased Russian and Chinese economic and strategic activities in the circumpolar north. After a difficult Ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council this month in Rovaniemi, splits in the organisation over the challenge of climate… Continue reading Podcast: ‘What is Arctic Security?’ →

A look at Arctic news from around the region. 'China Reveals Arctic Geopolitics to be Above Pompeo’s Pay Grade,' [Cryopolitics] 'Could the Arctic Chill US-China Relations Still Further?' [South China Morning Post] 'Neste, NunnaUuni, and Wärtsilä Awarded for Reducing Black Carbon Emissions,' [Climate Leadership Coalition] 'Why the Work of the Arctic Council Will Continue Even… Continue reading Elsewhere… →

Last week’s Arctic Council Ministerial meeting in Rovaniemi, Finland, which marked the end of Finland’s tenure as chair of the organisation, will likely be remembered for the words and actions by the US delegation led by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. In the aftermath of his controversial speech, and his refusal to support language mentioning climate… Continue reading After Rovaniemi: What Next for the Arctic Council? →

The Arctic Council has traditionally sought to discourage dialogues relating to hard security affairs in its meetings, instead placing stronger emphasis on issues encompassing regional economic development, indigenous affairs, and the growing physical and socio-anthropological effects of regional climate change, including the ongoing melting of the Arctic ice cap. The Council’s 1996 founding document incorporated that… Continue reading The US Throws Down the Gauntlet at the Arctic Council’s Finland Meeting →