Course Syllabus

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

Course description

Given the tremendous effects of climate change and the resurgence of geopolitics and great power competition, the Arctic region is undergoing rapid transformation. 

As temperatures rise and ice retreats, 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. The conditions for fishing, tourism, research activities, and military operations in the region are also changing significantly.

Since the end of the Cold War, the Arctic has not figured high on the great powers’ national security agenda, nor has it 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 had 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 and the alliance itself – 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 escalating hybrid activities. 

Geopolitics and great power competition increasingly shape 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 debated among and within Arctic states, as well as outside the region. The evolving transatlantic crisis over control of Greenland adds to the unpredictability and tension.  

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 and the evolving transatlantic crisis over control of Greenland. 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 and geographic 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, 2008. Academic focus on international security and military strategy, with a specific focus on China, East Asia, and the Arctic. Has solid experience planning and conducting courses on a broad range of topics related to international politics and security in various, often very diverse, settings. With DIS since 2023.

Learning objectives of the course

Through this course, students will acquire:

An understanding of key issues, developments, dynamics and challenges related to Arctic security and governance, including:

• The impact of climate change on Arctic security and governance
• The impact of the Ukraine war and the evolving transatlantic crisis over control of Greenland on Arctic security and governance and the growing military build-up in the region
• How relevant international law and treaties play into the Arctic, with specific emphasis on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
• The importance of the Arctic in the current geopolitical context for both great powers and small(er) states as well as for relevant international institutions.
• The complex security and military dynamics related to various Arctic hotspots, with particular emphasis on the European Arctic, e.g., Svalbard, Greenland, and the GIUK Gap between Greenland, Iceland, and the UK. 

Competence:

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to apply concepts and theories from Political Science, International Relations (IR), and Military Strategy, along with historical and geographical knowledge and cases, to critically analyze, discuss, and evaluate current events and future perspectives on Arctic geopolitics.

  Structure

The course is structured over four main areas:

1. Introduction to Arctic Geopolitics – defining the Arctic and defining Geopolitics. Introduction to useful analytical tools to make sense of Arctic Geopolitics.
2. Arctic security and governance in the context of great power competition – the policies and strategies of the great powers and small(er) states. The role of non-Arctic governance regimes, international law and institutions.
3. The end of Arctic low tension or ‘Arctic exceptionalism’? Focus on current key developments, dynamics and cases. The impact of the war in Ukraine
4. 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, videos, and news articles. There is no textbook to pick up during the arrivals workshop.

Readings are listed under each class.

Approach to teaching

Class sessions will include short lectures by the course instructors, 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).

This requires that the students come to class well-prepared and willing to share knowledge and insights. Preparation before class included completing the assigned readings, with a focus on the reading questions listed under each class. 

The use of AI writing tools

• In this course, the use of AI writing tools 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 with a focus on the reading questions; bring notes and questions for the course instructors and other students to class; and actively and responsibly participate in their study group, class discussions, and other activities.

Watch this video for an overview before your first class.