Donald Trump’s announcement in January 2025 of his intention to seize Greenland has brought the Arctic back to the forefront of great power rivalries. Against the backdrop of accelerating ice melt and Russia’s war in Ukraine, the "Far North" is experiencing increasing militarization, driven by competition over access to maritime routes and the securing of the region’s natural resources. While Russia is strengthening its military presence, NATO is adjusting its posture in Northern Europe, and China is asserting its ambitions as a "near-Arctic state."

How do we understand the geopolitical dynamics in the Arctic? What are the implications for regional stability and transatlantic balance?

For the second conference in its 2025 intelligence series, organized in partnership with the College of Intelligence in Europe, Ifri welcomes Nils-Andreas Stensønes, Director of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, who will analyze these developments and their strategic consequences.

Panelists:

Daphné Benoit, Head of international affairs, AFP

Marc Hecker, Deputy Director, Ifri

Chair:

Thomas Gomart, Director, Ifri

This event is public and will be held in English without translation under the Chatham House Rule.