Friday, October 17 – 09:40–10:35

Location: Sker, Harpa Ground Floor

As global powers expand their strategic interests in the Arctic, longstanding frameworks of cooperation such as the Arctic Council face unprecedented challenges. This session will explore how the Nordic countries—rooted in shared values of peace, environmental stewardship, and multilateral governance—can respond to rising tensions and shifting alliances.

With the resurgence of hard geopolitics, exemplified by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and fluctuating U.S. engagement in multilateral forums, can Nordic solidarity offer a stabilizing path forward? The discussion will consider how a “New Nordic” approach might help reinvigorate Arctic governance and defend collaborative norms in an era of uncertainty.

Speakers:

• Elana Wilson Rowe, Research Professor, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI)
• Rasmus Leander Nielsen, Associate Professor, Ilisimatusarfik – University of Greenland; Head, Nasiffik – Centre for Foreign & Security Policy, Greenland
• Silja Bára Ómarsdóttir, Rector, University of Iceland

Moderator:

• Pia Hansson, Director, Institute of International Affairs, University of Iceland

Saturday, October 18 – 10:10–11:05

Location: Háaloft, Harpa Eighth Level

his session examines the intricate intersection between scientific collaboration and regional security in the Arctic. As the region balances growing geopolitical tensions with the imperative for cooperative research, this panel will explore how evolving relations with Russia and China are reshaping the landscape of Arctic science and policy.

By analyzing recent geopolitical developments, the discussion will highlight concrete examples of how scientific partnerships both influence and reflect broader security concerns in the Nordic Arctic.

Speakers:

• Marc Lanteigne, Professor, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
• Patrik Andersson, Analyst, Swedish National China Centre
• P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Network Lead, The North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network; Canada Research Chair (Tier 1) in the Study of the Canadian North; Professor, School for the Study of Canada, Trent University, Canada
• Guðbjörg Ríkey Th. Hauksdóttir, PhD Candidate, University of Iceland; Predoctoral Fellow, Harvard Kennedy School’s Arctic Initiative, USA
• Erlingur Erlingsson, Senior Visiting Fellow, Institute of International Affairs, University of Iceland

Moderator:

• Pia Hansson, Director, Institute of International Affairs, University of Iceland

We look forward to meeting you at the Arctic Circle Assembly and to engaging in these timely and thought-provoking discussions on the future of the Arctic.

As the region continues to face profound geopolitical, environmental, and societal transformations, dialogue and cooperation remain essential. Through these sessions, the Centre for Arctic Studies aims to contribute to informed debate and foster collaboration among scholars, policymakers, and practitioners.