Iceland’s Arctic Policy 2023: A 12-Month Outlook

As climate change wreaks devastation on many parts of the world, new opportunities appear to countries willing to exploit them. Iceland is in a prime position to capitalize on the newfound opening of the Arctic circle to trade and exploitation. In the next 12 months, Iceland is highly likely to maintain its commitment to Arctic environmental protection and indigenous rights. It is highly unlikely that Iceland will make moves to develop heavy industry in the Arctic. Lastly, increasing regional tensions are almost certain to entrench further Icelandic reliance on international organizations for security.