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Program Title: The Mark Radio ep.27: Once Upon a Time in the North
Description: A race to the top of the earth is on, to claim ownership of the hotly-contested, potentially valuable Arctic territory. As climate change melts the polar ice, trade routes are opening up and untapped oil, gas and mineral reserves are becoming accessible - and every country nearby wants in on the action.

In 2007, Russia planted a titanium flag four kilometres below the surface of the North Pole, bolstering its claim to the area. In August, Canada scrambled two C-18 fighter jets to intercept a pair of Russian bombers who were 30 kilometres from Canadian soil. Critics point out these fly-bys are routine and only become an issue when the government wants to justify its military expenditures.

But are these signs of a new cold war? Nay, the coldest war? And will the disputed land problem be solved by sheer military might, or savvy diplomatic strategy?

Host(s): Chris Mitchell
Featured Speakers/Guests: On the show this week, host Chris Mitchell talks with four Canadian experts on how to keep the true north strong and free: Michael Byers, Canada Research Chair in International Law and Politics, on why securing the North is more important now than ever before. Whitney Lackenbauer argues that Canada's Arctic posturing is alienating us on the global stage. Documentarian Mark Terry on how he's seen the Arctic landscape change over the years he's been filming it. And Bridget Laroque explains why Arctic policy reforms have to be informed by the people who live there.

Credits: Music by Economics

Comments: Please contact chris@themarknews.com if you have any questions or if you air this episode.