Arctic Exploration: Past and Present

This lecture delves into the history of Arctic exploration, from the first humans in the region to the Russian conquest of Siberia and the Viking episodes. It covers the British, French, and Dutch exploration routes in Canada, the Russian American Company's presence in Alaska, and Greenland's colonization. The 20th century saw significant developments in the Arctic, including the Soviet Union's modernization efforts. The lecture also discusses the assimilation, modernization, and industrialization of the circumpolar North, as well as the emergence of indigenous rights movements. It concludes by examining the current state of decolonization efforts in the Arctic, highlighting the challenges faced by indigenous groups in the region.