Course Syllabus

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

 

Course description

Given the tremendous effects of climate change and the resurgence of geopolitics, the Arctic region is undergoing rapid transformation. Viewed through the lens of national security and military strategy, it is highly dynamic and unpredictable, with significant implications not only for Arctic peoples 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 minerals and energy resources, and the emergence of new sea routes promises 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 prominently 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 multilateral cooperation in the Arctic. 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 their national security agendas. 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 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. While a large-scale military confrontation in the Arctic is unlikely, there is a growing risk of clashes and conflicts stemming from unintended accidents or intentionally escalated hybrid activities.

Geopolitics increasingly shapes how Arctic states approach the region, introducing new dynamics and challenges across several Arctic states, particularly those with strong indigenous Arctic communities. The legitimacy and interpretation of legal frameworks, e.g., treaties and conventions, are increasingly under debate among and within Arctic states, as well as outside 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 of global, regional, and national security dynamics, military concerns, and priorities by applying concepts and theories from Political Science, International Relations (IR), and Military Strategy, as well as historical knowledge and case studies. 

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 analyze the evolving Arctic geopolitics 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, 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 analyze and evaluate current events and future perspectives on 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.

Readings are listed under each class. 

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 to see how the theoretically informed analyses and discussions conducted in class translate 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 study tour, we will visit relevant Arctic institutions and meet Arctic scholars, journalists, and professionals. The overarching theme of this tour is to explore two Arctic geopolitical hotspots involving Russia, NATO, and the USA through in-depth case studies.

 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 faculty, 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 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).

Come well-prepared and willing to share your 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: complete the readings for each class with a focus on being able to answer the reading questions listed under each class; bring notes and questions for the course instructors and other students; and participate in their study group, class discussions, and other activities in an active and responsible manner.

 

 

 

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