Research at FNI on Arctic and ocean politics examines how geopolitical, legal and economic developments shape the governance of the Arctic region and the world’s oceans. The work spans international cooperation, resource management, maritime law and security, with particular attention to Norway, Russia and the broader circumpolar area.
Arctic Geopolitics
- Geopolitics and geoeconomics across different parts of the Arctic
- International cooperation through the Arctic Council and other regional forums
- Norwegian High North policies, including Svalbard and developments in northern Norway
- Arctic politics involving the Nordic countries, Canada, the United States and the EU
- Global interest in the Arctic from non-Arctic states such as China, India and the UK
This research explores how states navigate shifting power dynamics, changing economic conditions and a more competitive geopolitical landscape in the Arctic. The role of institutions, agreements and long-standing cooperation mechanisms is central, as is the question of how these structures adapt under pressure.
Ocean Governance and Law
- Law of the Sea and maritime jurisdiction
- International fisheries management and regional marine governance
- Issues related to maritime transport and environmental regulation
- National and international debates on seabed minerals
- Marine governance in the Barents Sea, the North Sea, the Southern Ocean and the Mediterranean
Research focuses on how legal frameworks and institutions shape access, rights and responsibilities at sea. Classical issues - fisheries, shipping, marine protection - are studied alongside emerging challenges such as seabed minerals, new maritime industries and the implications of climate change for ocean governance.
Russia, the Arctic and Resource Politics
- Russian Arctic, economic and climate policies
- Environmental, energy, fisheries, health, security and jurisdictional issues in Norway–Russia relations
- Structural conditions for Russia’s oil, gas and maritime industries
- Russia–China relations and their implications for the Arctic
- Governance and security developments in other post-Soviet states
This research examines how political and economic developments in Russia influence regional stability, cooperation and resource management in the North. The work also looks at wider post-Soviet governance trends that affect Arctic and maritime politics.
Background
Research on Arctic cooperation, ocean governance and the Law of the Sea has a long tradition at FNI, connected to Fridtjof Nansen’s legacy. Over time, the thematic scope has expanded from fisheries and shipping to include climate change, new maritime activities, geopolitical competition and the evolving international legal order.
Andreas Østhagen is the Research Director for Arctic and Ocean Politics.
