BlueOrange Studio/Shutterstock.com
Polar Institute
Since its inception in 2017, the Polar Institute has become a premier forum for discussion and policy analysis of Arctic and Antarctic issues, and is known in Washington, DC and elsewhere as the Arctic Public Square. The Institute holistically studies the central policy issues facing these regions—with an emphasis on Arctic governance, climate change, economic development, scientific research, security, and Indigenous communities—and communicates trusted analysis to policymakers and other stakeholders.
Connect With Us
Our Blogs
US Polar Leadership Project
The next few years are critically important to build support for US leadership in the Arctic and Antarctica ahead of the upcoming US Chairship of the Arctic Council (2031-2033) and the 5th International Polar Year (2032-2033). These milestones come at a time when the polar regions are under increasing geopolitical pressure. We must be ready to meet the moment and deliver on strategic priorities. The US Polar Leadership Project is a multiyear, multi-agency initiative spotlighting the necessity and benefits of American engagement in the poles.
Learn More
ICE Pact
The recently announced Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact) by the US, Canada, and Finland, is a collaboration intended to strengthen shipbuilding and maritime industrial capacity through closer cooperation on polar icebreakers.
Learn More
Critical Minerals in the Arctic
The complex critical minerals problem facing the United States demands a comprehensive approach. Visit our Critical Minerals in the Arctic page to read our Critical Minerals Policy Briefs, which provide a roadmap for sustainable development—emphasizing collaboration, community engagement, and strategic government involvement. By implementing these policy recommendations, the United States may only reduce its dependence on foreign sources but also emerge as a global leader in responsible and sustainable critical mineral development. The journey towards a secure and resilient future begins now.
Learn More
New US Antarctic Policy
Read reaction and analysis here: how this strategic move impacts not only national security but also environmental stewardship and international collaboration in one of the world's most remote and sensitive areas.
Learn More
US Extended Continental Shelf
Visit the Polar Institute's comprehensive hub dedicated to the United States Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). Explore the background and impact of the US ECS Project through a variety of ECS-related publications and content, and dive into an informative journey through the depths of maritime boundaries and resources.
Learn MoreRecent Insights
Once considered remote and isolated, the Arctic region is now part of the global political, social, economic, security, and geopolitical landscape—this reality requires research and policy analysis now more than ever.
It has been a privilege to see how the Wilson Center is embracing the emerging Arctic and the Global Arctic as a part of the portfolio of this distinguished Institute.
[The Polar Institute] is where we seem to be hosting these significant conversations.
I want to commend the Wilson Center for what [the Polar Institute] has achieved in a short period of time.
In an increasingly complex world basing our decisions on sound science and know-how is and will be, of the essence for sustainable development. People, not least our young people, are calling for responsible decision-making and decisive actions towards sustainability, and events such as this one contribute to and thus support the work of the Arctic Council. I want to, in this context, thank the Wilson Center for their tireless efforts in this regard.
The Wilson Center’s approach on its subject matters, offering high-quality views on issues of real international importance, has seldom been as relevant as in today’s increasingly complex world. We need interdisciplinary approaches to be able to fully understand the challenges we face and to seize the opportunities that rapid changes in our region bring about.
I want to thank the director of the Polar Institute and the Global Risk and Resilience Program here at the Wilson Center, Dr. Mike Sfraga, for being a good friend of Greenland, who takes genuine interest into helping us raise awareness in Greenland in Washington, DC through our Greenland Dialogues partnership.
Explore our Core Thematic Focuses
Science Research and Climate Change
Climate change is the principle driver of most all other changes in the Arctic. Research is critical to understanding these far-reaching environmental changes and is essential in the creation of informed policy.
Indigenous Communities
Indigenous peoples, communities, and ways of life are, in many places under pressure to adapt to changes in the environmental, social, and political landscape.
Economic Development
Viable and sustainable economic development in the Arctic is required to realize the full potential of a region that lacks, in many part of the Arctic, basic investments in infrastructure, services, or scalable commerce with linkages from local communities to global markets.
Security
The Polar Institute highlights the many forms of Arctic security, including human security, environmental security, health security, and military security. While addressing issues like national security, homeland security, community security, water and food security, the Institute explores the complex set of issues emerging within the Great Power Competition in the Arctic between the United States, Russia, and China. These "securities" of the Arctic will evolve as more actors enter the region and global tensions elsewhere continue to challenge the idea of a peaceful Arctic region with related governance and cooperative structures.
Governance
To maintain the cooperative nature of Arctic relations, governance structures—like the Arctic Council—must be properly supported.
Stay connected with the Polar Institute
Subscribe for updates about new events, articles, videos, and more.