Greenland is unexpectedly becoming a ground of contention among global allies. In this roundtable by the Green Office and ASI’s Arctic Change cluster, VU experts and students come together to analyse these shifting dynamics from the perspective of European, American, and international politics.
A Shifting Geopolitical Landscape in the Arctic
Recent reports by major news outlets like NRC and Politico highlight a surprising trend: Greenland is increasingly at the center of political tension, even among traditional allies. Once viewed primarily through the lens of environmental isolation, the island is now positioned at the crossroads of major international interests.
During this event, we will dive deep into these rapid developments. Our panel will provide a comprehensive perspective on critical issues that define Greenland’s future and its role on the global stage, including:
- Sovereignty & Self-Determination: How is Greenland navigating its political identity and relations with Denmark and global superpowers?
- Critical Raw Materials: The global race for resources needed for the green transition and its local impacts.
- Environmental Preservation: Balancing ecological urgency with economic and political pressures in a rapidly warming Arctic.
- European Security & International Regimes: The geopolitical chess game governing Arctic waters and security frameworks.
Speakers and Panelists
Our multidisciplinary panel brings together diverse expertise from across VU Amsterdam to foster an engaging academic and public dialogue:
- Oscar Widerberg (Institute for Environmental Studies, VU Amsterdam) will provide insights into environmental governance and the broader sustainability implications of Arctic change.
- Sarah Poss (PhD Candidate and Junior Teacher in the Philosophy, Politics, Economics (PPE) Programme, VU) will explore the normative and political dimensions of resource allocation and international relations.
- Frederikke Knudsen (PPE Student, VU Amsterdam) will bring a student-focused perspective to the discussion, highlighting the regional and generational stakes of Greenlandic politics.
- The session will be moderated by Özlem Terzi (Department of Political Science and Public Administration, VU Amsterdam), who will guide the panel and lead the subsequent Q&A session with the audience.
This event will take place in-person. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply interested in geopolitics and climate change, we welcome you to join us for an eye-opening afternoon. Following the short presentations, there will be ample opportunity to ask questions and engage with the speakers.