The Arctic in Focus: the ‘Greenland Question’ and Its Possible Trajectories Discussed at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies, HSE University

On February 10, 2026, the Centre for Centre for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies at Institute for Economics of Natural Resources and Climate Change, HSE University, held its first Arctic Research Seminar, entitled “The Greenland Question: Factors, Prospects and Development Scenarios.” Experts examined the impact of the Greenland agenda on transatlantic relations, security, and global markets.

The inaugural Arctic Research Seminar was devoted to a comprehensive analysis of the ‘Greenland question’ in contemporary international politics. The keynote presentation was delivered by Maxim Maiorov, a researcher at the Centre. The discussion was moderated by Irina Strelnikova, Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies.

The main report explored key aspects of the possible implementation of the so-called ‘Donroe Doctrine’ in relation to Greenland, as well as the implications of current dynamics for transatlantic relations and the military security architecture in the Arctic. Particular attention was paid to the impact of developments in Greenland on the global rare earth metals market, the strategic interests of China and Russia in the region, and the domestic political agendas of both the United States and Greenland.

In his concluding remarks, Maxim Maiorov outlined three baseline scenarios: the expansion of partnership between Washington and Nuuk; US support for a Greenlandic referendum; and an annexation scenario. Each option was assessed in terms of its international legal, economic, and military-political consequences.

Greenland

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The seminar concluded with an open discussion, during which participants considered the likelihood of each scenario and their potential impact on the balance of power in the Arctic. Maxim Maiorov responded to questions from the audience and identified avenues for further research within Arctic studies.