High North: high stakes

The Arctic, once politically and literally frozen, is melting at a pace unforeseen even a few years ago. Arctic petroleum resources are of great interest in an ever-tightening global energy market, and there is a considerable potential for increased shipping in and through the region. At the same time, the vulnerable character of the Arctic environment requires activities that are pursued in accordance with sound environmental practices, while the increased strategic importance of the region makes it more exposed to changes in international security. This book, which focuses on the European Arctic or the High North, draws on an impressive group of people with highly relevant hands-on and academic experience. It makes a significant contribution to an informed debate about the prospects and pitfalls alike so we can benefit from the opportunities in the region responsibly and thoughtfully. Norwegian perspectives by Jonas Gahr Støre, Espen Barth Eide, General Sverre Diesen & Erik Solheim. Academic contributions by Dr. John Hamre, Dr. Nina Poussenkova, Arild Moe, Professor Ola M. Johannessen, Lasse H. Pettersson & Professor Alyson Bailes. Rose Gottemoeller is director of Carnegie Moscow Center. She has been affiliated with Georgetown University, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and served in the US Department of Energy and the National Security Council. Rolf Tamnes is director of the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies, adjunct professor at the University of Oslo and the leader of the international research program, Geopolitics in the High North.