NEWS On 18 September, researchers, policymakers, and experts gathered in Oslo for the Arctic Security Conference 2025 to address one central question: how to manage polarisation and fragmentation in the Arctic. The programme spanned climate change, geopolitical tensions, indigenous knowledge, and hybrid threats, underlining the urgent need for cooperation and research to inform decisions at every level of society.
The day before the main conference, early-career researchers organised and led a series of workshops that set the stage for the discussions to follow. Although these sessions were officially separate, they felt very much like a first day of the conference – full of energy, exchange, and engagement – attracting a large and attentive audience. Their sessions covered a broad range of topics, demonstrating how the next generation of Arctic experts is already shaping the debate and paving the way for the more senior voices who took the floor the following day. One urgent issue was the rise of hybrid threats, with participants emphasising that only strong democratic institutions, social cohesion, and trust can prevent such dangers from undermining societies.
Paul Schmidt.
Image Mattias Pettersson“It was inspiring to see how early-career researchers were not only participating but actively driving the conversation forward. Their initiative gave the event an energy that carried into the entire conference,” says Paul Schmidt, doctoral student at the Department of Political Science and part of the Arctic Graduate School at Umeå University. His reflections highlight the value of international arenas like this for connecting researchers across borders and disciplines.
The official conference day opened to a packed hall, underscoring the high stakes and widespread interest in Arctic security. Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide, Saami Council representative Gunn-Britt Retter, Norwegian MP Ine Eriksen Søreide, and Michael Sfraga, former U.S. Arctic Ambassador-at-Large, all brought perspectives on the state of affairs in the region. The panel painted a nuanced picture of both cooperation and conflict. Particularly notable was Sfraga’s clear statement that the United States would never attempt to purchase or annex Greenland but would respect borders and the rule of law – a message that drew attention as much for its clarity as for its symbolism.
Security and the environment are interconnected, and both demand stronger research and cooperation.
Later in the day, Norway’s Chief of Defence, General Erik Kristoffersen, offered a keynote that resonated strongly with the audience. He underlined that while nations must be vigilant, it is neither possible nor desirable to defend against every conceivable threat. Above all, he stressed that democracy must remain central: “No one wants to live in a country where the chief of defence and the chief of police run everyday life. We want to live in a democracy.” His remarks echoed the earlier call for resilience rooted in strong institutions and civic trust, reminding participants that security in the Arctic is ultimately about the kind of society people want to preserve.
While much of the discussion centred on geopolitics and defence, several speakers warned about the decline in Arctic climate research. With fewer opportunities for cross-border cooperation, nearly half of the Arctic has become a “scientific blind spot.” This lack of data undermines the accuracy of models and makes it harder for communities and policymakers to prepare for long-term environmental change. When participants stepped outside into 20-degree September warmth in Oslo, the reality was impossible to ignore: climate change has not paused simply because international attention has shifted.
“We must not lose sight of the climate dimension. Security and the environment are interconnected, and both demand stronger research and cooperation,” Paul reflects. His words underline the role that universities such as Umeå can play in bridging science and society, ensuring that Arctic research continues to inform decisions in a rapidly changing world.
