Tag "Arctic"
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
