The polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctica are undergoing rapid changes due to climate change, creating new opportunities and challenges for the global community. These regions are also becoming arenas of great power competition, as the United States, Russia, China, and other actors seek to advance their economic, scientific, and security interests in the polar regions.

This presentation will examine the geopolitical significance of the polar regions, the main drivers and dimensions of great power competition over the Arctic and Antarctica, and the potential for conflict over them.