The Geopolitics of the Arctic

a platform for projecting Russian interests on the world geopolitical stage

Abstract

The natural particularities of the Arctic space and its political-strategic value place the region at the center of global geopolitical interests, as it had been during the Cold War. The purpose of this article is to analyze the interests of some nations in this macro space, especially Russia. In this context, the new North Sea route brings economic and strategic advantages, by significantly reducing the distance between Asia and Europe. Russia has launched efforts to ensure its influence in the region, materialized in the 2035 Strategy, which reinforces its Arctic pre-eminence. The country faces increased international interest in the region. Furthermore, the fact that Russia is the only Arctic country that is not part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is highlighted. The present article presents as results the delineation of the conflicts involving the Arctic question and the Russian repositioning in face of such conjuncture.