Arctic & Space
Expanding horizons at the Earth's edges and beyond
The Working Group Arctic & Space examines the Arctic's geopolitical significance and the role of space policy in global security. It analyzes territorial disputes, resource competition, and military presence in the Arctic, while also assessing satellite security, space governance, and technological advancements shaping international power dynamics. Monthly briefings provide objective analyses and visualizations on these evolving challenges in foreign and security policy.
The militarization of the Arctic
Carla Reinhard and Filippo Perini, EPIS Arctic & Space Report Group Overall Report Theme: The Militarization of the Arctic Article Research Question: What is the impact of the militarization of the Arctic on the development and strategic use of space infrastructure? Structure of the Article The A…
Frozen Frontlines
Frozen Frontlines: NATO Expansion, Russian Force Rebalancing, and the New Militarization of the Arctic by Brayden Blaylock Introduction: The Arctic After Ukraine The militarization of the Arctic has entered a new phase. While the region has long held strategic value because of nuclear deterrence,…
The Middle Power Dilemma
The Italian Blueprint for Space Security: Deterrence, Awareness, and European Integration In 2019, NATO announced a groundbreaking strategic shift, recognising space as an operational domain. This meant that the securitisation of space was no longer a future theory but became a current operationa…
Outer Space Treaty: An Old But Visionary Document
EPIS Basics: Outer Space Treaty: An Old But Visionary DocumentWords: 480 Introduction: The 1967 Outer Space Treaty (OST), drafted during the Cold War, remains the backbone of international space law. It is the first treaty of “general applicability” governing human activity beyond Earth. Although…
“The Arbitral Shield in the Moon Rush”
The Arbitral Shield in the Moon Rush: Resolving “Safety Zone” and Expropriation Disputes under the Artemis Accords Ioana Marin – RG Arctic & Space EPIS Think Tank Research Paper Series 10th June 2026 Abstract As the commercialisation of outer space accelerates, the lunar economy has transitioned …
From Apollo to Artemis:
Q: Does the shift from the state-led Apollo program to the Artemis program represent a decline in U.S. state capacity or a strategic adaptation? A: While Apollo demonstrated state-led mobilization, Artemis exercises capacity through market-shaping, coordinating private innovation, and managing in…
High North and “La Dolcevita”
The 2026 Italian Arctic Policy responds to the end of Arctic exceptionalism by defining Italy as a “Near-Arctic State”. Through the concept of “teleconnections,” Italy links Arctic stability to Mediterranean security. It employs science diplomacy and the Navy’s “High North” operation to protect i…
Arctic Satellite Infrastructure
How does Arctic satellite infrastructure shape strategic, economic and security dynamics? Polar-orbiting satellites and Arctic ground stations create vital data access but also introduce dual-use risks and infrastructure bottlenecks. Expanding Arctic satellite infrastructure requires balancing re…
Uniting technology partnerships with outer space
1. Can economic partnerships between the US and Gulf states based on technological exchange be broadened to incorporate space technologies and joint strategy? 2. There are already several joint partnerships and ventures between the parties emphasising space defence, technological interoperability…
The Arctic as a Climate-Driven Security Frontier
Main question: How does climate change reshape Arctic security dynamics? Argument: Environmental change acts as a structural driver, expanding access while increasing infrastructure vulnerability and strategic exposure. Conclusion: The Arctic is becoming a contested operating domain where effecti…
The African Sky
Question: How can Africa maintain strategic autonomy while navigating the intensifying U.S.-China “space race”? Argument: Africa’s “space for development” model leverages international partnerships not for prestige, but as essential tools for data sovereignty and socioeconomic transformation. Con…
Wiring the Arctic
Can the Arctic become a secure alternative to vulnerable global data corridors? Climate change and rising digital demand make Arctic submarine cables viable, supporting economic activity, scientific research, Arctic communities, and military operations. Competing Western and Russian projects are …
From Orbits to Ecosystems
How should Europe govern space as it shifts from a technical domain to a strategic ecosystem central to security, economy and governance? Space has become an interconnected, contested ecosystem shaped by geopolitics, markets and governance gaps, where Europe risks dependency due to fragmentation,…
Strengthening Europe’s Orbit
Why is Europe still vulnerable in space despite its relevance? Europe’s defence remains nationally fragmented, with divergent doctrines, weak shared situational awareness (SSA), slow attribution, and uncoordinated capabilities. Strengthening coordinated SSA, shared response standards, and joint c…
Norway’s Most Important Peace Project
– How does Norway’s new Arctic Strategy transform what was once “Norway’s most important peace project” into a cornerstone of national and European security? – The strategy marks a clear shift from cooperation with Russia and environmental focus toward a “total defence” model that integrates mili…
First to the Moon
Nearly 60 years after the first space race ended, a new one is already forming between China and the USA. Getting to the moon first, being able to access its resources and police it, is now a top priority of the countries’ space strategy. By developing space systems such as Gateway and the Mengzh…
Just Another Trade Route?
Can the geopolitical situation in the straits of Malacca reveal possible future scenarios along the Northern Sea Route? Due to starkly contrasting geographical and political circumstances between the regions, chiefly relating to population density, distance between population centres and the pre…
Competing Futures
International Criminal Lawis ineffective at protecting the environment in conflict, perhaps stronger solutionsshould be in place, should the environment have their own rights in conflict?
Building Resilience in the Arctic
How can Arctic communities adapt to rapid climate change and growing geopolitical pressure? The Arctic faces compounding threats—from permafrost thaw to militarization—that strain fragile infrastructure and ecosystems. Building resilience requires urgent adaptation, Indigenous leadership, and bal…
Climate Justice in EU Policy
How can the EU achieve climate goals while ensuring social equity? Climate action must be both environmentally ambitious and socially just. Stronger cooperation, fair funding, and marine protection are essential pillars.