Course Syllabus

Draft syllabus

Arctic Geopolitics

A military C-130J transporter in Greenland with Northern Lights in the background. 

Semester & Location:	Summer 2026 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:	Summer Course - 3 credits
Studytour:	Tromsø
Major Disciplines:	Political Science, International Relations, Environmental Studies
Prerequisites:	None
Faculty Members:	Steen Kjærgaard, Camilla T.N. Sørensen Students use the Canvas inbox to contact each other.
Time & Place:	Daily 1530 - 1825, including 15 min break. Sessions 1530-1650 & 1705-1825 Classroom:

 

Course description

Given the tremendous effects of climate change and the resurgence of geopolitics, the Arctic region is undergoing rapid tran formation. Viewed through the lens of national security and military strategy, it is highly dynamic and unpredictable, carrying significant implications, not only for the Arctic people and states but also for the global community.

As the climate changes, the Arctic becomes more accessible, presenting new opportunities and challenges. The region is rich in valuable mineral and energy resources, and the emergence of new sea routes holds the promise of shorter travel distances between Europe and Asia. These changes also significantly impact research activities and military operations.

Since the end of the Cold War, the region has not figured high on the great powers' national security agenda nor been a military priority. This has made it possible for the smaller Arctic states to take the lead in strengthening Arctic multilateral cooperation. The key Arctic governance institution – the Arctic Council – was established in 1996 to promote coordination and cooperation among the Arctic states and other stakeholders, especially on Arctic climate research, Arctic environmental protection, and Arctic coast guard assistance. Despite growing security tension outside the Arctic, the eight Arctic states – the U.S., Russia, Canada, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, and the Kingdom of Denmark – have for years managed to guard Arctic cooperation. They have had a joint interest in both keeping Arctic governance in the hands of Arctic states and maintaining the region as a low-tension area.

However, this 'Arctic exceptionalism' has come under increasing pressure in recent years. The great powers – the U.S., Russia, and China – are showing a growing interest in the region, which is also moving up on their national secur ty agenda. This shift – combined with the deteriorating relations between the U.S. and the broader West and NATO on one side and China and Russia on the other – is leading to growing mistrust and security tension as well as military build-up, which complicates, if not outright undermines, the efforts of smaller Arctic states to guard Arctic cooperation.  

Since the Russian full-blown invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Arctic Council has thus been put on pause, and all the militaries of the Arctic states – and other NATO member states – are increasing their focus on the region, further fuelling the military build-up and the number of military exercises in the region. While a large-scale military confrontation in the Arctic is unlikely, there is a growing risk of clashes and conflicts caused by unintended accidents or intentionally escalating hybrid activities.

Geopolitics increasingly frames how the Arctic states approach the region, which also brings with it new dynamics and challenges within several of the Arctic states and in particular those that have strong Arctic indigenous communities. The legitimacy and interpretation of legal frameworks, e.g., treaties and conventions, are increasingly up for debate both among and within the Arctic states as well as outside of the region. 

This course offers an introduction to Arctic geopolitics following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, focusing on how the growing security tension and military conflict between the great powers manifest in the region. We set out to explore the complexities between global, regional, and national security dynamics and military concerns and priorities by applying various concepts and theories from Political Science, International Relations (IR), and Military Strategy, as well as historical knowledge and cases. 

Instructors

Steen Kjærgaard, Master of Arts in International Security from the University of Leicester, 2018.  Military officer. Military Academy, Bachelor 1996.  Joint Command and Staff College master's degree, 2010. Works at the Royal Danish Defence College as a military analyst. Academic focus on strategic issues such as military security, Arctic security, and International Law. Served in the Danish Defence Intelligence Service. With DIS since 2018.

Camilla T. N. Sørensen, Doctor (PhD) in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen in 2008. Currently works at the Royal Danish Defense College as an associate professor within international security and military strategy with a specific focus on China, East Asia, and the Arctic. Has solid experience in planning and conducting courses on a broad range of topics related to international politics and security in various and often very diverse settings. With DIS since 2023.

Learning objectives of the course

Through this course, students will acquire:

An understanding of key issues, challenges, and developments in Arctic security and governance, including:

• Knowledge about how to analyse Arctic geopolitical challenges using various concepts and theories from Political Science, International Relations (IR), and Military Strategy, as well as historical knowledge and cases. 
• An introduction to relevant international law about the Arctic, with specific emphasis on the United Nations Conventions of the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
• Knowledge about the importance of the Arctic in the current geopolitical context to both great powers, smaller states, and international institutions.
• Knowledge about dynamics, challenges and opportunities in various Arctic hotspots with particular emphasis on the European Arctic areas, e.g. Svalbard, Greenland and the GIUK Gap between Greenland, Iceland and the UK. 

Competence:

Upon completion of the course, the students should be able to draw on historical knowledge and cases as well as concepts and theories from Political Science, International Relations (IR), and Military Strategy to critically analyse and evaluate current events and future perspectives related to Arctic geopolitics.

Readings

The readings comprise book chapters, academic articles, policy reports, and new  articles. There is no textbook to pick up during the arrivals workshop.

Full list:

• TBD

Study Tour to Tromsø and Svalbard

The study tour is an integral part of this SU course as we take the classroom on the road and see how the theory presented in the classroom is translated into practice in the field.

You will travel with your classmates and DIS faculty on a study tour to Tromsø and Svalbard in Northern Norway, above the polar circle. 

During the long study tour, we will visit relevant Arctic organisations and meet Arctic scholars, journalists and professionals. The overarching theme for this tour is to explore an Arctic geopolitical hotspot involving both Russia, NATO and the USA through an in-depth case study.

 Expectations for study tours:

• Participate in all activities.
• Engage in discussions, ask questions, and contribute to achieving the learning objectives.
• Respect the destination, the speakers, the DIS staff, and classmates.
• Represent yourself, your home university, and DIS in a positive light.

While on a program study tour, DIS will provide accommodation and transportation to/from the destination(s), two meals per day, and entrances, guides, and visits relevant to your study area or destination. You will receive a more detailed itinerary before departure.

Travel policies:

You are required to travel with your group to the destination. If you have to deviate from the group travel plans, you need approval from the program director and the study tours office.   

Approach to teaching

Class sessions will include short lectures by the course instructor, academic discussions, group work, guest lectures, field studies, creative assignments, and simulation games. 

Our classes will follow the "flipped classroom" method - see   https://bokcenter.harvard.edu/flipped-classrooms (link to an external site).

Come well-prepared and willing to share your knowledge and insights.

The use of AI writing tools

• This course is restricted to brainstorming and making research plans or outlines. The primary content of assignments should reflect your knowledge, creativity, and critical thinking. As with all sources of information and ideas, ensure that all AI contributions are correctly cited. 

 Expectations of the students

It is expected that all students actively participate in class: do the readings for each class; bring notes and questions for the course instructor and other students; and actively and responsibly participate in their study group, class discussions, and other activities.

Academic Regulations  

Please make sure to read the Academic Regulations on the D S website. There you will find regulations on: 

• Course Enrollment and Grading  
• Academic Expectations and Honor Code 

 

 

 

 

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