Andreas Osthagen

Andreas Osthagen, Research Director for Arctic and Ocean Politics at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, delves into the intriguing dynamics of Svalbard, an archipelago of growing geopolitical interest. He discusses the historic 1920 Spitsbergen Treaty granting Norway sovereignty while ensuring equal access for all signatories. The conversation highlights Russia's concerns over its proximity to Svalbard and Norway's tightening regulations. As Arctic shipping routes expand, Osthagen predicts that Svalbard will increasingly capture global attention.