Over the Circle

Although a Chinese firm was unsuccessful in its bid for a contract to expand airports in Greenland, it is unlikely that China will be losing interest in developing economic partnerships with the island at any time soon. Mining joint ventures in Greenland, including at Kvanefjeld, continue to take shape, for example. However, Beijing's economic diplomacy… Continue reading New Article: ‘A Cold Arena? Greenland as a Focus of Arctic Competition’ →

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? →