Newsletter The Conflicts Are Lining Up

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I am often asked if I think a war could break out in the High North. My answer is that war is already here. It is neither warm nor cold; it is not even visible. However, hybrid warfare permeates our entire society and region. And we are continuing to fall behind with management and prevention. 

That is why Finland is raising competence in cyber security in the North. 

In Norway, the political game continues even as the distinction between war and peace is blurred; 

“Even after the Norwegian government collapsed, the reversal of adopted policies continues,” writes commentator Arne O. Holm in his newest comment. 

Trump's America 

As announced, US President Donald Trump is imposing 25 percent tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports, something the industry has braced for in the best possible way. 

Trump is also investing heavily in fossil fuel in the North, and Japan has signaled support for the $44bn Alaska LNG project. 

Now to the Nordics;

Lower iron ore prices, decreased production, and the long-term shutdown of the Iron Ore Line at the beginning of the year impacted the Swedish mining company LKAB's results in 2024. (Norwegian only) 

Now, the Swedish government is giving the green light for a railway line in Northern Sweden, while the Norwegian Labor Party is opening for the Northern Norway line. 

And the Norwegian quota for minke whales will increase in 2025. 

Meet a researcher

 In our new series of scientist portrait interviews, our Science Journalist Birgitte Annie Hansen met with literature researcher Henning Howlid Wærp, who believes literature is key to expanding the room for action and engaging more people in an ever-changing Arctic landscape. 

And make sure you read history professor Christopher Fee's insight into the disturbing echoes of Greenland's post-colonialism, be it Vikings, Danes, or greedy American politicians. 

If you have ideas for the scientist portrait interviews, be it yourself or others, send Hansen an e-mail at  birgitte.a.martinussen@nord.no

And stay tuned for news about infrastructure, fisheries, security, and culture in the North, among other things. 

Best regards, Editor-in-Chief Trine Jonassen