Lillan and Robert D. Stuart Jr. Center in Euro-Atlantic and Northern European Studies

The Stuart Center produces forward-looking research and analysis on the changing geopolitical trends and dynamics in Northern Europe and the Arctic

In honor of the life and achievements of the late Robert D. Stuart Jr., former U.S. Ambassador to Norway, and his wife Lillan, the Stuart Center is dedicated to greater understanding of Northern Europe’s political, security, economic, and energy developments with a strong focus on the regional implications of a rapidly changing Arctic; revitalizing NATO’s collective defense and security cooperation role in Northern Europe; and strengthening the Euro-Atlantic partnership as a whole.

The Stuart Center is overseen by an Advisory Council comprised of engaged transatlantists who are leaders in the diplomatic, security, and political fields, as well as experts in Northern European and Arctic affairs. Geographically diverse, the Stuart Center Advisory Council membership includes representation from the five Nordic countries, the Baltic region and the United States.

With support from the Stuart Center, CSIS launched the Arctic Military Activity Tracker in 2021. Recognizing that the Arctic is an increasingly militarized region and that its geopolitical importance is growing, the tracker serves as an up-to-date repository of military incidents for use by experts, policymakers, and academia.

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Arctic Military Activity Tracker

Arctic Military Activity Tracker

Strategic competition has arrived in the Arctic. With such a significant increase in military activity, the purpose of the CSIS Arctic Tracker is to provide an up-to-date repository of military incidents for use by experts, policymakers, and academia.

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Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images

Northern Connections

The Northern Connections online magazine features original content from leading scholars and practitioners, illuminating today’s policy challenges and the trends that will affect the future of the Arctic.

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All Lillan and Robert D. Stuart Jr. Center in Euro-Atlantic and Northern European Studies Content

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Examining PRC Activities in the Arctic

Please join the CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 9:30am EDT for a conversation with Iris A. Ferguson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Arctic and Global Resilience, on PRC activities in the Arctic.

Event — December 5, 2024

The European Union Charts Its Own Path for European Rearmament

The European Union has rolled out its first-ever defense industrial strategy, signaling a leap forward in the bloc's ambition to become a more credible security and defense player. However, doubts remain that the strategy is another false dawn with little funding attached.

Critical Questions by Max Bergmann, Mathieu Droin, Sissy Martinez, and Otto Svendsen — March 8, 2024

Red Sea Cable Damage Reveals Soft Underbelly of Global Economy

Recent damage to three undersea cables in the Red Sea highlights that there are no easy solutions for protecting critical undersea infrastructure. Governments and companies can take steps to improve resilience and enhance maritime awareness.

Commentary by Sean Monaghan, Michael Darrah, Eskil Jakobsen, and Otto Svendsen — March 7, 2024

Arctic Energy Security

Interest in Arctic energy resources has grown in tandem with geopolitical tensions in the region. Two topics in particular may reshape energy security in the European Arctic: climate change and Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Report by Max Bergmann, Otto Svendsen, Arild Moe, Anne Husebekk, Silje Elde, and Else Kristine Welde — January 31, 2024

Why the Washington Summit Should Focus on Europe

Europe cannot defend itself without the United States. But next year’s 75th anniversary NATO summit in Washington provides an opportunity to put Europe on a new course, demonstrate U.S. leadership, and address burden-sharing concerns.

Report by Max Bergmann, Sean Monaghan, and Mathieu Droin — December 20, 2023

NATO’s Role in Protecting Critical Undersea Infrastructure

NATO has not proven capable of preventing Russian interference with European critical undersea infrastructure. But a new NATO center can help the alliance prepare for, deter, and defend against Russia's increasingly prevalent use of hybrid tactics.  

Brief by Sean Monaghan, Otto Svendsen, Michael Darrah, and Ed Arnold — December 19, 2023

Arctic Geopolitics: The Svalbard Archipelago

Tensions in the Arctic among great powers have increased since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But the unique status of the Norwegian archipelago Svalbard complicates this broad geopolitical framing of the region.

Brief by Andreas Østhagen, Otto Svendsen, and Max Bergmann — September 14, 2023

Arctic Security after a Year of War

Russia’s war in Ukraine has been felt in the Arctic, where tensions are increasing. This event launches a new CSIS Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program report that outlines security developments since the invasion, as well as their implications for the United States and NATO.

Event — January 25, 2023

The Russian Arctic Threat: Consequences of the Ukraine War

The impact of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has been felt in the Arctic, and military tensions are increasing. This CSIS report outlines key security developments and describes the nature of the Russian threat in the Arctic after a year of war. 

Brief by Colin Wall and Njord Wegge — January 25, 2023