The Arctic as a target for disinformation? Narratives, values and geopolitics

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began in February 2022, has sent shockwaves across the Arctic, and resurgent competition between the great powers has reinforced how Russia and the other seven Arctic states are not like-minded and are engaged in competition for international legitimacy. This competition also extends to non-Arctic states, including China, which seek to shape the region in terms advantageous to them.

This seminar, consisting of four 10 minute presentations followed by a general discussion with audience participants, will bring together academic, government and other representatives to share insights on strategic communications (StratCom) and the Arctic information environment, with a particular focus on: the strategic intent for the region articulated by China and Russia; specific vectors of narrative competition and adversarial influence (including hybrid warfare) that draw local populations in as participants in geopolitical trajectories ; and what are the options to consider as part of comprehensive security or whole-of-society efforts to deter conflict and address disinformation campaigns.

In person at the Mandela auditorium at CPS/UiT and available digitally. 

Participating panelists:

Aron Bonano, NATO Strategic Communications (StratCom) Centre of Excellence (CoE)

P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North, Professor (School for the Study of Canada) Trent University, CA

Marc Lanteigne, Professor in political science, UiT

Maria Claudia Menezes Leal Nunes, PhD Candidate (FAKENEWS project, The Grey Zone research group), CPS, UiT

Moderated by: Gunhild Hoogensen Gjørv, professor in security and geopolitics, CPS, UiT