Science in the squeeze? Norwegian polar research and the struggle for supremacy on Svalbard 1906-1928

The lecture deals with the role of scientists and science in the struggle for supremacy on Spitsbergen (Svalbard). It is argued that although scientific activity played an important part in securing Norwegian interests on Svalbard before and after the assumption of sovereignty in 1928, scientists were not merely instruments of the state. They also had an independent research agenda, as well as personal political and economic motives.