Tag "Arctic"

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Europe Security

Risk Factors for Svalbard Conflict between Russia and Norway

The unique provisions of the Treaty of Svalbard, NATO ambiguity on the status of Svalbard, and mounting geopolitical tensions between Russia and Norway signify a realistic probability of outright violation of Norwegian sovereignty over Svalbard in the medium to long-term.

International Politics

Russia and the Arctic Council in 2021: a New Security Dilemma

Coming May, Russia will assume chairmanship of the Arctic Council until 2023. In a region so strategically significant, the challenge for Russia lies with rhyming its military build-up in the arctic with the cooperative nature of the council, whilst not letting the council jeopardize its freedom of movement in any way.

Europe Natural resources and energy

Russia is gradually developing its Arctic LNG strategy

Due to its geographic location, natural resource extraction in the Arctic circle is strategically important for Russia’s overall energy strategy. At the same time, Russia is gradually shifting away from the traditional state-controlled gas trade through pipelines and is increasing its LNG production.

Europe Natural resources and energy

Climate Change: Heating up Arctic competition

Melting sea ice is revitalizing the Arctic’s geopolitical importance. Russia is proactively developing the area with the help of the Chinese government and has more bases than any other nation. Western states are looking to respond and economic competition has already begun, further militarization is likely to follow suit.

Environment International

The drawbacks of Arctic shipping

The Christophe de Margerie is the first vessel to navigate the Northern Sea Route without an icebreaker escort. This is exciting news for states and businesses interested in exploiting new opportunities in the Arctic. However, the NSR is not as promising at it may seem, and the speed of climate change in the region brings significant risks.   

International Politics

5 territorial disputes to watch out for in 2017

For several places around the world, 2017 could be a watershed year, as various territorial disputes threaten to boil over amidst a climate of global uncertainty.

North America Security

The US quietly re-writes Arctic policy

Under the cover of the 2016 election season, the Obama administration has been busy crafting a new Arctic policy that will have significant ramifications.

Europe Security

Swedish NATO membership may jeopardize Arctic opportunities

An increased Russian military activity in the Baltic Sea is fueling a debate about Swedish NATO membership. However, if this occurred, potential Russo-Swedish cooperation and investment in the Arctic would be negatively impacted.

Asia Pacific Security

The Kuril Islands: Power projection and resource protection

The Kuril Islands dispute between Russia and Japan is not so much noteworthy with respect to its past origins, but rather for what it portends for Russia’s future foreign policy

International Natural resources and energy

Canada and Russia’s Arctic path to reconciliation

Much attention has been paid to Moscow’s interest in developing the emerging Northern Sea Route that runs the length of the Russian Arctic coast. However, Russia can also benefit from