Arctic Security: All Quiet on the Northern Fronst (original) (raw)

Foot in the Door: China’s Investments in the Arctic Region

Revisiting Regionalism and the Contemporary World Order. Perspectives from the BRICS and beyond, 2019

Arctic states and regions that are in need of development capital have been turning increasingly to China as their source for development funds. These include Greenland, which is trying to develop new resources as it concretizes its increased independence from Denmark; Iceland, which is trying to rebuild and diversify its economy after the financial sector crash of 2008–2009; and Russia, which is faced with sanctions and the limited markets and investment funds that come along with them. They are all clamoring for the capital needed for the projects and visions they have for their respective societies, especially as climate change opens new possibilities in the Arctic region. Using this opportunity, China is adopting a slow geo-economic strategy to gain a say in the establishing of Arctic norms. If able to buy a seat at the table, China could potentially use the influence it has bought from the smaller Arctic states and Russia to establish Arctic rules and policies that allow it maximum benefit. As explained in this chapter, recent developments at the 19th Party Congress – especially the appointment of Xi’s new Standing Committee – indicate that China will not be changing course any time soon; it is more likely that it will redouble its efforts in pursuit of an interwoven foreign policy and economic goals. By combining an actor- and case policy-based analysis and geo-economic theoretical concepts, we add to the growing literature on this topic. We conclude that if the Nordic countries believe China to be a challenger in the region, then there is need for them to partner with the EU, Canada, USA, and other interested parties (like Japan) to pool the resources necessary to counter Chinese advances, especially if they want to be able to determine the future of Arctic development. Keywords: Arctic, Arctic Council, China, geo-economics, geopolitics

A STRATEGIC TRIANGLE IN THE ARCTIC? IMPLICATIONS OF CHINA-RUSSIA-UNITED STATES POWER DYNAMICS FOR REGIONAL SECURITY

SIPRI, 2021

This SIPRI Insights on Peace and Security paper examines security challenges arising from the Arctic activities of three actors with a substantial 'footprint'-China, Russia and the United States-and how they might be addressed in existing and new frameworks. Arctic and non-Arctic states want to exploit commercial opportunities created by a changing physical environment. Arctic states agree that climate-related challenges can be addressed through cooperation within existing institutions. However, to ensure that increasing human activity stays within acceptable environmental and human security risk levels, non-Arctic states need to be engaged. The risk of unwanted escalation in military tension in the Arctic due to deteriorating relations among major powers over disputes arising elsewhere has grown to the point where it cannot be ignored. A steady increase in military investments in the Arctic, or Arctic operations, will continue, but there is no ready-made framework to address military security challenges. Issues that occupy a 'grey zone' between military and non-military security will have to be addressed as digital and transport infrastructure expand in the Arctic. However, there is little experience in how diverse state and non-state actors can manage cooperation and competition simultaneously.

Modern Security and China in Arctic Politics

In the context of climate change in the Arctic and the ice melting as a consequence, this has opened up of the Northwest Passage for shipping and mineral exploration, particularly for China which has declared itself as a potentially active stakeholder in this opening up. The fact that China has been admitted as an observer-member in the Arctic Council and its growing interest in the arctic as a non-arctic country has brought strategy-analysts attention in understanding the real motive of China. In this essay, The Arctic strategies of China will be analyzed within the frameworks of the modern security approaches: human security and critical security approaches, with illustration of Chinese official declaration in 2013 in the meeting with Sweden concerning admission to the Arctic Council, as well as its real activities in the arctic region in terms of scientific researches economic dimensions.

China's Interests and Goals in the Arctic: Implications for the United States

2017

: This Letort Paper examines the geopolitical implications of Chinas growing involvement in the Arctic for U.S. interests. First, the evolution of U.S. Arctic strategy, including its political and military components, is discussed. Next, Chinas interests and goals in the Arctic are addressed. A third section examines the Arctic in Chinas relations with Canada, Russia, and the Nordic states. This Letort Paper then evaluates the consequences of Chinas expanding Arctic presence for U.S. security interests and concludes with policy recommendations.

ARCTIC - A REGION OF DISSONANT INTERNATIONAL INTERESTS.

The enduring global warming has opened new views of exploitation of the Arctic. The possibility to open new ship routes, huge resource reserves, and fishery are of interest of many entities, however experts’ opinions still differs. Although the cooperation between the nations has been peaceful, the military presence in the area is increasing and it remains to be seen how the recent Ukrainian crisis will affect the development in the area. As for now, no major conflicts in this area are likely and cooperation is supported by international treaties (e.g. UNCLOS) and organizations (e.g. the Arctic Council). There are several international disputes and also perils related to the Russian Federation, being major player there. Russia builds multidimensional capabilities, including military and economy ones, to support national interests. The Western sanctions are negatively influencing exploration of natural resources making Moscow nervous and it country must be treated very seriously to avoid creating new “Cold war” type icy relations and confrontation.

Canada and Russia in the Arctic: The Next Geopolitical and Economic Battleground

Demokritos Scientific Journal, 2024

The Arctic is rapidly becoming a key geopolitical battleground where military might and economic interests intersect. As Russia strengthens its position in the region and forms alliances with China, Canada, and the Nordic countries, they are scrambling to form their coalitions to protect their interests. The outcome of this Arctic competition will have far-reaching implications for global security, energy markets, and international trade. While the G7 countries remain focused on countering Russian and Chinese influence, they must also contend with the long-term economic and geopolitical ramifications of this new Arctic race. Whether through increased military spending or strategic investments in Arctic infrastructure, the West must find a way to maintain its presence in the region if it hopes to secure its future in an increasingly multipolar world.

CHINA'S INTERESTS AND GOALS IN THE ARCTIC: IMPLICATIONS FOR THE UNITED STATES L

SSI Letort Papers, 2017

This Letort Paper examines the geopolitical implications of China’s growing involvement in the Arctic for U.S. interests. First, the evolution of U.S. Arctic strategy, including its political and military components, is discussed. Next, China’s interests and goals in the Arctic are addressed. A third section examines the Arctic in China’s relations with Canada, Russia, and the Nordic states. This Letort Paper then evaluates the consequences of China’s expanding Arctic presence for U.S. security interests and concludes with policy recommendations.

The Arctic at the Crossroads of Geopolitical Interests

the authors analyze the arctic strategies of the united states, the north atlantic treaty organization (nato), the European union (Eu), and russia. they also discuss russian-norwegian relations and the militarization of the arctic.