Frozen conflict? A special episode in the Arctic

This episode of The Intelligence from The Economist focuses on the growing geopolitical interest in the Arctic, particularly the Svalbard archipelago. The discussion highlights Russia's strategic and economic motivations for maintaining a presence in the region, including access to resources, military positioning, and shorter shipping routes as sea ice melts. The unique legal status of Svalbard, allowing foreign nationals to operate there, creates opportunities for hybrid warfare and testing NATO's resolve. The panelists discuss the potential for increased Russian aggression in the Arctic, the concerns of Norway and other NATO members, and the complicating factor of China's growing interest in the region. They also touch on the timeline for potential conflicts and the impact of a possible peace deal in Ukraine.