How Svalbard went from from Arctic outpost to geopolitical flashpoint

The Norwegian icebreaker Kronprins Haakon in eastern Svalbard, an Arctic archipelago that has become increasingly central to both climate research and geopolitical competition. © Olivier MORIN / AFP

Tensions in the Arctic are putting new pressure on Svalbard, a Norwegian-administered archipelago long seen as an example of international cooperation, as climate change transforms the region and rivalry between major powers intensifies.

Svalbard is often described as the fastest-warming place on the planet. Located close to the North Pole, the archipelago sits on the front line of climate change, a position that has drawn scientists from around the world for decades.