The High North has recently become one of the most contested parts of the world. Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA will talk about the issues involved in arctic geopolitics.

As a Royal Navy Submarine Commander he led MoD research on defence and security matters in the High North. He has conducted operational patrols beneath the ice and subsequently visited Svalbard, the US and Canadian Arctic regions.

About the speaker

Dr Steve Aiken OBE MLA is a senior politician and former Royal Navy Submarine Commander who led MoD research on defence and security matters in the High North. He has conducted operational patrols beneath the ice and subsequently visited Svalbard, the US and Canadian Arctic regions.

He holds a PhD and MPhil in international relations from University of Cambridge and a MA in Defence Studies from KCL. He is a graduate of the Advanced Command & Staff Course.

Booking information

  • Advance booking for this event is not required.

If you have any questions please email events@rgs.org

This event has been organised by the Northern Ireland regional committee.

Venue information

This event will be held in the Northern Ireland Assembly Parliament Buildings, Ballymiscaw, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3XX.

Please enter by Massey Avenue and allow extra time for security.

Accessibility at our events

We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. For full details, please visit Northern Ireland Assembly's accessibility page. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org

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Key Information

Open to all
16 October 2025, 7.00pm-9.00pm
Belfast

Free
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) CPD logo.
This event is recognised by the Society as being suitable professional development for Chartered Geographer and may also be suitable for other professional accreditations.