Keen On America Melting Ice & Vanishing Cultures: The Chilling Costs of the New Cold War in the Artic
Jan 8, 2026
Kenneth Rosen, a journalist and author of Polar War, shares his extensive research on the Arctic and its pressing issues. He discusses the impacts of climate change on indigenous communities and the geopolitical tensions surrounding the region. Rosen highlights Greenland's strategic importance and critiques the U.S.'s diminishing Arctic capabilities. He also raises concerns about the loss of indigenous lifestyles and the potential erosion of NATO cooperation. His compelling travelogue reflects on the Arctic's beauty, while emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable policies.
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Episode notes
Greenland: Resources And Strategic Value
- Greenland's value is both natural resources and strategic location for defense and surveillance.
- Rosen says U.S. security is already present via Denmark and bases but needs modernization.
Training Missteps Expose Arctic Naivety
- Swedish forces told Rosen of U.S. troops' Arctic naivety during joint training exercises.
- One special ops ski patrol went out shirtless and returned sunburned from reflected Arctic sun.
Four Powers Jockey For Arctic Influence
- Arctic competition resembles a modern scramble driven by the U.S., Europe, Russia, and China with distinct aims.
- Rosen notes Greenlanders want commerce and modest development, not full foreign control.
