Course Syllabus

Jump to Today

image.png

A Danish C-130J military transport plane at the airport of Kangerlussuaq illuminated by Northern Light.

Semester & Location:

Spring 2026 - DIS Copenhagen
Type & Credits:

Elective Course - 3 credits
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.
Time & Place: Mondays & Thursdays 16:25-17:45. Classroom: N7-D20

 

Course description

Given the tremendous effects of climate change and the resurgence of geopolitics, the Arctic region is undergoing rapid transformation, with significant implications not only for Arctic peoples and states but also for the global community.

As the climate changes, the Arctic is becoming increasingly 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 enabled 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 collaboration among Arctic states and other stakeholders, particularly in areas such as Arctic climate research, environmental protection, and coast guard assistance. Despite growing security tensions 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 preserve Arctic cooperation. They have shared a joint interest in both maintaining Arctic governance in the hands of Arctic states and keeping 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 rising on their national security agendas. This shift – combined with deteriorating relations between NATO on one side and Russia (and China) on the other – is leading to growing mistrust and security tensions, as well as a military build-up, which complicates, if not outright undermines, the efforts of smaller Arctic states to guard Arctic cooperation.  

Since the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Arctic Council has been put on pause, and all the militaries of Arctic states – as well as other NATO member states – are increasing their focus on the region, further fueling 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 shapes how Arctic states approach the region, bringing new dynamics and challenges for several Arctic states, particularly those with strong Arctic indigenous communities. The legitimacy and interpretation of legal frameworks, such as treaties and conventions, are increasingly subject to debate among and within Arctic states, as well as outside the region. 

This course offers an introduction to Arctic geopolitics, focusing on how the growing security tensions and military conflict between great powers manifest in the region following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. We set out to explore the complexities arising from global, regional, and national security dynamics and military developments. We apply concepts and theories from Political Science, International Relations (IR), and Military Strategy, along with historical knowledge and case studies. 

Instructors

Steen Kjærgaard, Master of Arts in International Security from the University of Leicester (UK), 2018.  Academic focus on strategic issues such as military security, Arctic security, and International Law.  With DIS since 2018.

Camilla T. N. Sørensen, Doctor (PhD) in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen in 2008. Academic focus on 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 geopolitics, security, and governance, including:

  • The relevance of the Arctic in the current geopolitical context.
  • The evolving Arctic security context with a focus on the impact of climate change and the return of geopolitics.
  • The politics and strategies of the great powers, i.e., the U.S., China, and Russia, in the Arctic.
  • The development of the Arctic governance regime with a focus on the Arctic Council.
  • The end of Arctic low tension, i.e., Arctic exceptionalism, due to growing security tension and great power competition. 
  • The challenges and opportunities for smaller Arctic states.
  • The Kingdom of Denmark, including the U.S. presence in Greenland, over time. 

Competence:

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

  Structure

The course is structured over eight themes:

  1. Introduction to the Arctic Geopolitics – defining the Arctic and defining Geopolitics
  2. The opening or changing Arctic under pressure, with a focus on the impact of climate change. Case studies.
  3. Analytical tools to make sense of Arctic Geopolitics.
  4. Arctic security in the context of great power competition – the policies and strategies of the great powers.
  5. Arctic security in the context of great power competition – the implications for the smaller Arctic states, including their policies and strategies
  6. End of Arctic low tension or Arctic exceptionalism – the evolving Arctic governance regime and the role of non-Arctic governance regimes and institutions
  7. Current key developments and cases include: growing strategic cooperation between Russia and China; NATO's evolving role in the Arctic; and the controversy over Svalbard.
  8. The Kingdom of Denmark – Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands – as an Arctic state, and the changing role and influence of the U.S.  

Readings

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

Full list:

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.

 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 DIS website. There you will find regulations on: 

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. 

 

 

 

DIS - Study Abroad in Scandinavia - www.DISabroad.org

Course Summary:

Course Summary
Date Details Due