Northern Europe has become a focus of U.S. foreign policy discussion because of dynamic changes in the region: an increasingly complex security situation amid Russia’s military modernization and saber-rattling; the impact of Brexit on the future of Europe and on the transatlantic relationship; Russia’s attempts to influence the democratic processes in Western countries; Arctic policy, including the effect of a changing climate on commerce, transportation, security, and energy at the top of the world. That is why the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) established the Lillan and Robert D. Stuart Center in Euro-Atlantic and Northern European Studies—to strengthen public understanding of the changing politics, economics, security, and energy relationships and to provide a forum for discussing transatlantic policy responses.

The Northern Connections online magazine features original content from leading scholars and practitioners, illuminating today’s policy challenges and the trends that will affect our future. We are excited to bring greater attention to Northern Europe across the transatlantic community.

Latest Analysis


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Photo: JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images

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

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Photo: Adobe Stock

Shifting Currents in the Arctic

Report by Rachel Ellehuus, Admiral Paul Zukunft, Maj. Gen. Kim J. Jørgensen, and Rear Admiral Craig A. Baines — May 1, 2019