The 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly saw a major boost in participation, but its size also illustrated how many 'Arctics' are now openly competing for space and attention.
With chokepoints, energy, and supply lines now being the talk of many policymakers in light of the ongoing conflict in Iran, how are debates about the Arctic as an economic corridor being revived, and by whom?
This month, the United Arab Emirates became the most recent country to sign on to the Svalbard Treaty. This is the latest in a long string of policies created to solidify the UAE as a major polar player, at a time when concerns over geopolitics, the environment, and energy are reaching new highs.
After a difficult week in global affairs, the Roundup looks at the state of great power security in the Arctic, comments on NATO, and the rules of thumb for polar research.