Arctic and Antarctica

Melting ice is opening new sea routes and access to resources in the Arctic and Antarctic, driving environmental, economic, and security concerns. Chinese influence at the poles reflects these areas’ growing status as a new global crossroads, offering new sources of raw materials and avenues for geopolitical competition. CSIS produces dynamic analysis of the security issues facing the two unique polar regions in their growing strategic importance and unforgiving climates.

See all analysis on the Arctic and Antarctica

Latest Podcasts

See all analysis on the Arctic and Antarctica
Audio Briefs Banner

NATO and the Arctic

Podcast Episode by Commander Rachael Gosnell and Benjamin Jensen — July 16, 2024

Recent Events

Photo: MAXIME POPOV/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: MAXIME POPOV/AFP via Getty Images

Arctic Security after a Year of War

January 25, 2023 • 4:00 – 4:45 pm EST
Hosted by Lillan and Robert D. Stuart Jr. Center in Euro-Atlantic and Northern European Studies
See all analysis on the Arctic and Antarctica

Related Programs

Experts

Otto Svendsen

Otto Svendsen

Associate Fellow, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program
Max Bergmann

Max Bergmann

Director, Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program and Stuart Center
Iris A. Ferguson

Iris A. Ferguson

Senior Associate (Non-resident), Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program

All Arctic and Antarctica Content

Filter by

1 - 10 of 132 results

Why Economic Coercion Over Greenland Would Backfire

Phil Luck examines the critical questions around the Trump administration’s recent threats to impose tariffs on European allies in connection with Greenland. 

Critical Questions by Philip Luck — January 28, 2026

Trump’s Greenland Ambition Is About U.S. Power, Not Alliances

Trump's push for Greenland isn't about NATO security—it's about controlling vast sums in rare earth minerals. European appeals to Cold War alliances miss the point of his America First doctrine, which prioritizes U.S. economic gain above all else.

Commentary by Sir Robin Niblett — January 14, 2026

ChinaPower

China’s Polar Ambitions: A Conversation with Dr. Matthew Funaiole and Mr. Brian Hart

In this episode of the ChinaPower Podcast, Dr. Matthew Funaiole and Mr. Brian Hart join us to discuss China’s ambitions in the polar regions. They start by explaining China’s scientific, commercial, strategic, and diplomatic interests in the polar regions and how the polar regions fit into China’s broader strategy of leveraging “new strategic frontiers” to expand its influence, outpace rivals, and set global rules and norms.

Podcast Episode by Bonny Lin, Matthew P. Funaiole, and Brian Hart — January 16, 2025

CSIS ChinaPower

Examining PRC Activities in the Arctic

Please join the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program for a conversation with Iris A. Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience, on PRC activities in the Arctic.

Event — December 5, 2024