What China wants in the north

Why is a country without an Arctic coastline investing in polar research, Russian gas and a place in Arctic affairs? Through photographs and stories from Svalbard, Russia’s Arctic coast and Iceland, Jósteinn Kristjánsson explores what China wants in the north, what it can already do, and where it still depends on others. The talk connects science, business and great-power politics with a question closer to home: what does Iceland want from this relationship, and how much room does it have to choose? An accessible introduction for curious newcomers, with space for conversation afterwards.

About the speaker

Jósteinn Kristjánsson is an Icelandic MA student in International Relations, a NAADSN Research Fellow and Fulbright Iceland Program Coordinator. He holds a BA in Chinese Studies and has lived and studied in China. His research draws on Chinese, Russian, Icelandic, and English sources, with interests in China, Russia, Arctic politics, and the choices available to small states.

Talk in English, followed by discussion.

The talk will be in English and takes place in Veröld – House of Vigdís, room 007, October 15th, 5:30 pm.

Light refreshments will be served before the talk begins – welcome everyone.

The event is part of the lecture series Snacks and Chats about China, organized by The Icelandic-Chinese Cultural Society in cooperation with The Northern Lights Confucius Institute.