We have a lot on the agenda and much to share, and we look forward to discussing new insights with the Arctic crowd.

Thursday, 19 October:

FNI's contributions commence with a session on ‘The Future of Arctic Shipping in the Era of Geopolitical Tensions and Regionalization’ (09:00–09:55, Ríma B, Harpa Ground Floor) organized by the UArctic Thematic Network on Bioregional Planning for Resilient Rural Communities. The panel will feature experts like Morten Høglund, Chair of Senior Arctic Officials, and Arild Moe, Research Professor at FNI.

• Read more: Björn Gunnarsson & Arild Moe (2021) ‘Ten years of international shipping on the Northern Sea Route: trends and challenges’, Arctic Review on Law and Politics.

FNI will host a session on ‘China in the Arctic: External Influence on Regional Governance’ (09:00–09:55, Ballroom A, The Reykjavík Edition). The discussion will feature speakers including FNI's Iselin Stensdal, Erdem Lamazhapov, Gørild Heggelund.

• Read more: Anders Christoffer Edstrøm, Iselin Stensdal and Gørild M. Heggelund (2023), ‘The “new superpower”: what are China's intentions in the Arctic?’. In Norway’s Arctic Policy (pp.95–108).

Next, FNI will participate in the discussion, ‘The EU in the Arctic: Perceptions of Non-Arctic & Southern Member States’ (10:10–11:05, Esja, Harpa Fifth Level), where Andreas Raspotnik, Senior Researcher at FNI, will contribute.

• Read more: Gabriella Gricius & Andreas Raspotnik (2023): 'The European Union’s ‘never again’ Arctic narrative'. Journal of Contemporary European Studies. 

Further, during the session ‘New Realities: Shifts in Russian and Chinese Strategic Presence in the Arctic’ (10:10–11:05, Ballroom B, The Reykjavík Edition), FNI researchers Arild Moe, Iselin Stensdal and Erdem Lamazhapov will examine the shifting dynamics between Russia and China in the Arctic.

• Read more: Gørild Heggelund, Arild Moe, Kathinka Fürst (2023) ‘Sino–Russian Cooperation in Arctic Maritime Development: Expectations and Contradictions’, Europe-Asia Studies.

In addition to these sessions, FNI's Svein Vigeland Rottem will serve as moderator for the panel on ‘The Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council: Challenges and Opportunities’ (11:20–12:15, Norðurljós, Harpa Second Level). 

• Read more: The work of the Arctic Council put on hold because of the war in Ukraine (Science Norway)

In the evening, FNI's Andreas Raspotnik will participate in the panel, ‘Network North: Global Geopolitics – Regional (In)securities’, (20:15–21:10, Akrafjall, Harpa Fourth Level), organized by The Arctic Institute.

Saturday, 21 October

The FNI team will wrap up their active participation with a session on ‘Charting a Course for Cooperation in the Arctic’ (10:10 – 11:05,  Ballroom B, The Reykjavík Edition). This panel, organized by Harvard Kennedy School Belfer Center Arctic Initiative, will feature Jennifer Spence, Rebecca Pincus, Fran Ulmer, and FNI's Serafima Andreeva.

• Read more: Serafima Andreeva (2023) ‘Science at Stake: Russia and the Arctic Council’, Arctic Review on Law and Politics.

Additionally, Andreas Raspotnik will take part in the discussion on ‘A Blue Economy Agenda for the Arctic? Perspectives on Justice, Diversity, and Inclusion’ (17:00–17:55, Silfurberg Hall, Harpa Second Level) organized by the High North Center for Business and Governance, Nord University, Norway, also featuring Mads Qvist Frederiksen, Executive Director of the Arctic Economic Council.

• Read more: Andreas Østhagen, Andreas Raspotnik et al. (2022) ‘Governing the Blue Economy in Alaska and North Norway’,  Nord University.

The Arctic Circle Assembly 2023 promises to be both informative and engaging, with FNI experts contributing to critical discussions on Arctic policy, geopolitics, and environmental concerns.