Is There Going to Be a War Over the Arctic?

The Backbench

The Arctic is quickly becoming the center of a geopolitical shitstorm. We’re talking power, resources, and territory at stake. And everyone wants a piece of it. Donald Trump floated taking Greenland and Canada to make his claim. But he’s not the only one. Russia’s making moves. So is China. And Canada? Politicians, left and right, are talking about it. Host Noor Azrieh sits down with Gavin John, a freelance journalist embedded in the Arctic, and asks, what’s really at stake for Canada in the Arctic? Is this frozen tundra our greatest vulnerability or our most valuable asset?

And the latest on, the crash and burn of Liberal candidate Ruby Dhalla, and PM Justin Trudeau’s Ukraine visit. Oh, and don’t forget the Ontario election.

Host: Noor Azrieh

Credits: Aviva Lessard (Senior Producer), Sam Konnert (Producer), Noor Azrieh (Host/Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)

Guests: Gavin John

Background reading:

• Canada Tries to Break the Ice With Trump – Foreign Policy
• Trump’s Manifest Destiny in the Arctic: The Greenland Gamble – Modern Diplomacy
• Poilievre's Arctic follies – The Hill Times
• Canada to open consulates, appoint Arctic ambassador under new foreign policy – CBC News
• Poilievre promises new military base in Nunavut as part of Arctic defence plan – CBC News

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