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.

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Trump’s Greenland Deal: Modest Gains, Lasting Costs

The U.S.-Denmark-Greenland defense agreement modestly strengthens U.S. Arctic posture and permanently binds Greenland to NATO. But those gains were largely available without coercion, and the Trump administration’s threats have caused lasting transatlantic damage.

Commentary by Otto Svendsen — October 2, 2026

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NATO and the Arctic

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

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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

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Trump’s Greenland Deal: Modest Gains, Lasting Costs

The U.S.-Denmark-Greenland defense agreement modestly strengthens U.S. Arctic posture and permanently binds Greenland to NATO. But those gains were largely available without coercion, and the Trump administration’s threats have caused lasting transatlantic damage.

Commentary by Otto Svendsen — October 2, 2026

What Does the Greenland Deal Mean for North American Security?

CSIS experts examine the September 22 update to the Defense of Greenland agreement and what it means for Greenland, Denmark, the United States, and Canada amid renewed tensions.

Critical Questions by Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Alex Dalziel, Henry Ziemer, and Otto Svendsen — September 30, 2026

The Melting Arctic Lifeline for Russia’s Shadow Fleet

Two floating storage vessels have handled an estimated 53 percent of Russia’s seaborne Arctic crude exports since February 2022. CSIS Futures Lab analysis shows how the United States and Europe can target these bottlenecks to constrain the Kremlin’s wartime revenue.

Commentary by Tobias Oestreich, Jose M. Macias III, and Benjamin Jensen — September 23, 2026

Building and Using a U.S. Polar Defense Industrial Base

As great power competition intensifies, expanding the U.S. polar industrial base can bolster U.S. defense capabilities, support the peaceful governance of the Arctic and Antarctic, and create new economic opportunities at home.

Commentary by William "Bill" Muntean III and Alexander B. Gray — September 17, 2026

Governing Antarctica in 2026

CSIS Americas Program Senior Associate Bill Muntean gives an overview of the agenda and issues for the upcoming Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting.

Commentary by William "Bill" Muntean III — April 22, 2026

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