An Asian Perspective on the Arctic: HSE Arctic Research Seminar Discusses Non-Arctic States’ Strategies amid Global Turbulence

On March 12, 2026, the Centre for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies at the HSE Institute for Economics of Natural Resources and Climate Change held its second Arctic Research Seminar, dedicated to the role of non-Arctic Asian states in the Arctic governance system. Participants discussed how Asian countries are shaping their Arctic policies against the backdrop of a changing geopolitical environment.

The seminar, entitled “Approaches of Non-Arctic Asian States to the Arctic Governance System in an Era of Turbulence”, was organised by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies at HSE University.

The keynote presentation was delivered by Maria Lagutina, Professor at Saint Petersburg State University. The discussion was moderated by Irina Strelnikova, Director of the Centre for Interdisciplinary Arctic Studies.

The seminar explored the main approaches adopted by non-Arctic Asian countries towards participation in Arctic regional governance. Particular attention was devoted to the strategies and political positioning of China, India, Singapore, and South Korea, as well as the ways in which these states conceptualise the Arctic dimension of their foreign policies.

Participants also discussed the impact of global turbulence on the transformation of Arctic governance and the growing role of external actors in the region.

The seminar concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which the speaker commented on the prospects for the future involvement of Asian countries in the Arctic agenda.