The Cold Rush – Geopolitics, Security, and Strategy in the Arctic

Recorded at Litteraturhuset, Oslo – 27 March 2025

This panel event brings together leading voices in Arctic policy, international security, and geopolitical strategy to explore the shifting balance of power in the region—with a particular focus on Svalbard.

Moderated by political scientist and former Member of Parliament Jette Christensen, the conversation considers how Russia, China, NATO, and the U.S. are expanding their presence in the Arctic, and what this means for Norway’s position, priorities, and responsibilities in the north.

Keynote presentations by:

Karsten Friis – Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI)
Arild Moe – Fridtjof Nansen Institute

Panel discussion with:

Kari Aga Myklebost – UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Paal Sigurd Hilde – Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies (IFS)
Terje Aunevik – Chairman, Longyearbyen Lokalstyre

The recording captures a wide-ranging and thought-provoking discussion on security, sovereignty, and strategy in a rapidly changing Arctic.