Jette Christensen to Moderate ‘The Cold Rush’ at Svalbard Day in Oslo
Photo: Kristoffer Myhre
We are pleased to announce that Jette Christensen will moderate The Cold Rush – Geopolitics, Security, and Strategy in the Arctic at Svalbard Day in Oslo on 27 March 2025.
Jette is a political scientist and former member of the Norwegian Parliament (2010–2021) with extensive experience in democracy, electoral influence, security, and foreign policy. She is currently a Europe and security analyst in the Althing, a member of Norway’s National Election Board, and an author working on her upcoming book, Democracy, It’s Us – 10 Vulnerabilities in the World’s Best Democratic Government.
Her expertise in political systems, governance, and democratic resilience makes her a highly sought-after speaker and moderator. With experience negotiating in international politics and leading discussions on global power shifts, Jette will ensure a lively and thought-provoking debate on the Arctic’s evolving geopolitical landscape.
As Russia, China, NATO, and the US strengthen their Arctic presence, Svalbard and the surrounding region are at the centre of a rapidly shifting geopolitical balance. The Cold Rush will bring together leading experts to discuss key issues such as:
• How are Russia and China expanding their influence in the Arctic, and what does this mean for regional stability?
• What role does NATO and the United States’ renewed Arctic strategy play in the shifting balance of power?
• How does Svalbard fit into this global power struggle, and what are the implications for Norway’s Arctic policy?
Speakers and Panelists
The evening will begin with presentations from:
Karsten Friis (Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, NUPI) – Analyzing broader geopolitical developments in the Arctic, military strategies, and NATO’s evolving role in the region.
Arild Moe (Fridtjof Nansen Institute) – Providing insights into Russia and China’s Arctic strategies, with a particular focus on Svalbard’s geopolitical significance.
Following the presentations, Jette Christensen will moderate a panel discussion, where the speakers will be joined by:
Kari Aga Myklebost (UiT The Arctic University of Norway) – Specialist in Norwegian-Russian relations and historical Arctic cooperation.
Paal Sigurd Hilde (Norwegian Defence University College) – Expert on security policy and NATO’s role in Arctic defence.
Terje Aunevik (Leader of Longyearbyen Lokalstyre) – Providing local perspectives on Svalbard’s governance and strategic role.
Join the Conversation
📅 Date: Thursday, 27 March 2025
⏰ Time: 18:00 – 19:30 (Approx. 90 min)
📍 Location: Litteraturhuset, Wergelandsveien 29, Oslo
🗣 Language: Norwegian
✅ Open to all – No registration required
For more information, see the event page.
Join us for a timely and engaging discussion on the future of the Arctic!