Tag Archives: Norway
Ringed seal; Source: Ansgar Walk via Wikimedia Commons

EU seal case adds new protectionism to WTO

The WTO’s public morality exemption has seldom been employed. However, a recent successful challenge has changed that and may herald a litany of trade restrictions in the near future. Goods, services, intellectual property, technical standards, trade-related investment measures and food safety are just some of the sectors covered by the World Trade Organization (WTO). Observers […]

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Source: Wikimedia Commons

Norway woos China by refusing to meet with Dalai Lama

Norwegian-Chinese relations suffered when the Nobel Peace Prize was handed to the Chinese dissident Liu Xiabo. Now the government tries to normalize relations by refusing to meet with the Dalai Lama. As a small country with limited global power, the Norwegians take great pride in their humanitarian reputation and the international attention that follows the annual Nobel Peace Prize […]

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Four Countries that beat the resource curse

Four countries that have successfully navigated the potential pitfalls of natural resource wealth provide examples of how best to avoid falling victim to the “paradox of plenty.” A quick look at emerging powers and the world as a whole reveals the importance and power that certain resources can bring.  Whether it’s Russia using its significant […]

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Arctic patrol

Arctic nations continue militarizing the Arctic

Arctic nations have in recent years unveiled plans to upgrade military capabilities, allowing for operations in the harsh Arctic region. Yet while these developments affirm the increased strategic value of the Arctic, tensions in the north are unlikely to arise. In 2007, Russia symbolically staked its claim to the waters around the North Pole by […]

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Russian oil rig

Arctic extraction presents huge potential but high risks

Massive petroleum and mineral reserves in the Arctic region are gradually becoming accessible due to climate change. However, companies face high risks as a result of large investment and operational costs, and logistical challenges mean any serious extraction will take decades. The Arctic was once of interest only to polar scientists and adventurers, but this is rapidly changing […]

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Source: DVIDSHUB's flickr photostream, courtesy photo.

Northeast Passage to revolutionize global shipping

Developing the Northeast Passage could revitalize Arctic regions, allow the shipping industry to bypass politically unstable areas and reduce travel costs and carbon emissions. But the project is dependent on huge investments, better regulations and political will. It was a historical moment when, in 2010, the bulk carrier “MV Nordic Barents” carried iron ore from a mine […]

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Falling Norwegian housing prices threatens growth

Negative prognoses based on falling housing prices may not, in fact, spell disaster for the Norwegian economy. Yet, dependency on oil is a continuous policy problem that the new government also seeks to tackle. Every January, Norwegians begin the new year with gloomy predictions that this year we will finally see the first cracks appearing in Norway’s […]

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Russia plans to win the Arctic race

Russia’s behavior in the Arctic reveals a strong prioritization of national economy and energy security at the expense of environmental sustainability. This behavior has an important effect on the region, to the point of introducing military concerns. The world is witnessing an exciting development: A previously remote region, the Arctic, is slowly becoming an arena for […]

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