Kenneth R. Rosen - Polar War

Kenneth R. Rosen - Polar War

From A Book with Legs by Smead Capital Management

January 19, 2026 · 1h 13m · Season 4 · Episode 431

About this episode

This episode explores the geopolitical significance of the Arctic and its impact on global affairs.

In this episode, learn how today’s geopolitics, climate change, and key happenings in the Arctic affect people and countries around the globe. The Arctic plays a complex role on the world stage, impacting everything from Russian national identity to shipping routes and military aspirations. Understanding these themes requires a comprehensive look at Arctic history, its exploration, and why it’s considered an important territory for major world powers. Smead Capital Management CEO and Portfolio Manager Cole Smead is joined by Kenneth R. Rosen, author of “Polar War: Submarines, Spies, and the Struggle for Power in a Melting Arctic." Rosen is the recipient of the Kurt Schork Award for his reporting from Ukraine, Syria, and Malta, and has been featured in The New Yorker, The New York Times, and The Atlantic, among other publications.

People in this episode

Host: Cole Smead

Guest: Kenneth R. Rosen

Topics covered

  • geopolitics
  • climate change
  • Arctic exploration
  • national identity
  • shipping routes
  • military aspirations

Keywords

  • Arctic
  • geopolitics
  • climate change
  • military
  • shipping routes
  • national identity
  • Kenneth R. Rosen

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Smead Capital Management, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Atlantic

Books & works: Polar War: Submarines, Spies, and the Struggle for Power in a Melting Arctic

Places: Ukraine, Syria, Malta

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