Exploring Arctic Diplomacy: My Journey from Fletcher to Iceland
By Aryama Bhattacharya, MALD 2025 Candidate, The Fletcher School
In October 2024, I found myself in Iceland, a place that has always fascinated me, with its wild landscapes of glaciers, volcanoes, and geothermal energy. As a child, I read about its natural wonders, including the Northern Lights, and the stark beauty of the Arctic. Little did I know that years later, I would find myself participating in the Arctic Circle Assembly 2024, a pivotal event that brought together experts, diplomats, and innovators from around the world to discuss the future of the Arctic. I had the privilege of attending this prestigious event, and what followed was nothing short of transformative. It was an opportunity not just to learn, but to contribute to discussions that will shape the future of one of the world’s most politically sensitive regions.
One of the most memorable moments of the Assembly was participating in the Arctic Innovation Lab, a platform designed to amplify the voices of young innovators and showcase their solutions. I could feel my nerves and excitement intertwine as I stood before the audience, presenting my idea on energy transition in the Arctic. I pitched a proposal on how Iceland’s geothermal energy model could inspire collaborations with nations like Tonga to meet their energy needs. The idea focused on leveraging Iceland’s expertise to create mutually beneficial diplomatic partnerships. To my delight, my pitch was recognized as one of the winning ideas among 11 international participants. For me, this experience underscored the importance of youth-led solutions and cross-border collaborations in addressing Arctic issues.
The Assembly provided a rare glimpse into the intricate world of Arctic diplomacy. With over 70 countries represented and nearly 4,000 participants, the discussions spanned climate change, indigenous rights, energy security, and geopolitics. Throughout the Assembly, a recurring theme was the indispensable role of Russia in Arctic diplomacy. Despite its absence this year, discussions highlighted the difficulty of moving forward without the region’s largest stakeholder.
Russia’s geographic and geopolitical significance make it central to issues such as indigenous peoples’ rights, regional stability, and scientific collaboration. One speaker likened the Arctic’s governance to a custody arrangement, with Norway and Russia as “parents” working together for the well-being of their shared “child.” It was a striking metaphor, highlighting both the tensions and the necessity of collaboration.
Another key focus of the conference was NATO’s growing presence in the Arctic. With the recent additions of Sweden and Finland, the alliance has gained significant strategic depth in the region. Discussions framed NATO’s investment in the Arctic as both a security necessity and a collaborative opportunity to address shared challenges, including climate change, emerging shipping routes, and mineral exploration.
The Assembly also highlighted growing concerns over Russia and China’s partnership in the Arctic. Their joint ventures in resource extraction and shipping routes have the potential to destabilize regional security frameworks, posing a challenge to NATO and Arctic states alike. In this context, Iceland’s strategic location becomes a vital asset, positioning the country as a hub for multilateral cooperation and innovation in addressing Arctic challenges.
While the Assembly’s sessions were intellectually enriching, Iceland itself offered lessons in resilience and harmony. Walking through Reykjavík, visiting the Iceland Renewable Energy Cluster, and meeting inspiring leaders like Halla Hrund Logadóttir, Ambassador David Balton, and Joanie S. felt surreal. Their stories and insights painted a vivid picture of what it means to lead with vision and integrity in a challenging global landscape.
This trip was more than just a professional milestone. It was my first trip with friends, my first experience representing Fletcher at an international forum, and my first glimpse of how academic preparation translates into real-world impact. The Arctic Circle Assembly reminded me of the power of persistence, the importance of fostering connections, and the beauty of chasing dreams that once seemed unattainable. None of this would have been possible without the generous support of the Russia-Eurasia Center. Their belief in me made this journey a reality, and I am profoundly grateful for their investment in my growth.
Looking forward, I am excited to continue exploring the complex geopolitics of the Arctic and contributing to the dialogue around this critical region. This experience has reaffirmed my commitment to diplomacy, innovation, and international cooperation, and I am eager to see where this journey takes me next. The Arctic Circle Assembly was a reminder that diplomacy is not just about solving problems, but also about envisioning possibilities.
(Photo from Arctic Circle.)