The current geopolitical environment is characterized by the shaping trends of autocracies, disruptive technologies, and climate change, which is changing how decision-makers and experts think about defence and security vulnerabilities. Working in tandem, Russia and China pose proximate and pacing threats to the North American Arctic and European High North. This workshop, hosted by the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN) and the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI), seeks to share lessons learned, knowledge, and expertise on Chinese and Russian tactics across domains, threat vectors, and perceptions of differing scales.

Potential guiding questions:

• NATO expansion and the question of the alliance’s Arctic strategy
• Influence operations and grey zone tactics
• Greenland’s expanded foreign policy and security interests
• Myths and realities of Sino-Russian regional cooperation
• Overlaps of strategic and environmental security concerns
• Discourse power, hybrid warfare, and information operations

MINDS Challenge Questions:

• How can Canada enhance opportunities for information and intelligence sharing on Arctic threats with domestic and international partners and allies?
• What are the security and defence implications of non-Arctic states seeking to increase their presence and influence in the Arctic? What considerations should guide Canada’s response to this increased interest?
• What are the impacts of climactic, environmental, and geopolitical changes on future defence requirements across Canada’s Arctic and North?
• How do other countries raise awareness of defence and security issues among their citizens, ensuring these topics are well understood and valued? What strategies do other nations use to foster a culture of security preparedness, including responses to environmental challenges and misinformation? What are the best practices by allies and partners to strengthen public trust of defence institutions?

0900-0930 – Coffee and Registration

0930-0940 – Opening Remarks

Dr. Marc Lanteigne and Nicholas Glesby

0940-1030 – Keynote: “Funding Research in Canadian Defence and Security”

Ms. Melissa Jennings

Chief Operating Officer, Canadian Defence and Security Network

1030-1145 – Session 1: China

Session Leads: Dr. Marc Lanteigne and Dr. Adam P. MacDonald

1145-1315 – Lunch (no-host, on the town)

1315 – 1430 – Session 2: Russia

Session Leads: Dr. Pål Wilter Skedsmo and Dr. Sergey Sukhankin

1430 – 1445 – Networking Break and Coffee

1445 – 1600 – Session 3: Local Perceptions and Future Challenges

Session Leads: Iselin Winther Németh and Anna Soer

1600 – 1630 – Conclusion and Reflections