scholarly journals An Analysis from the English School Perspective on conflict issues in the Arctic Region of the Russian Federation and the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-93
Author(s):  
Ebru Caymaz ◽  
Y. Barbaros Büyüksağnak
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
English School ◽  
Expertise Sharing ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Development Levels ◽  
The Arctic Region

When the current literature on RF and the USA's Arctic doctrines, strategies and disputes are examined, it is seen that there are two basic approaches that provide analyzes from realist and liberal perspectives. A large body of these analyzes focus on singular and linear dimensions, primarily on energy security and military issues. The number of studies which examine the dimensions of the conflict from a realistic perspective and synthesize with the cooperation and governance offered by the liberal perspective is relatively low. There is a need for a more in-depth understanding of the region, so extensive studies involving multidisciplinary dimensions that can promote collaboration and expertise sharing as well as resolution of disputes among security actors. In this study, the subject dispute matters were examined from the perspective of English School, which can present a unique framework by synthesizing the traditions of realism, rationalism and revolutionism. In conclusion part, possible solution suggestions in accordance with the international law for the resolution of disputes are discussed within a broader framework offered by the English School perspective. In addition, the role and functions of the People's Republic of China (PRC) in the struggle for dominance of the region as the third actor, which led to various discussions with large–scale investments and cooperation agreements across the region, were also included. In today's world where power-based approaches are replaced by binding international rules, it is concluded that in order to develop the cooperation in the Arctic Region, the international community, especially in terms of the the littoral states; developing policies that support joint scientific studies and prioritize measures to increase the socio-economic conditions and human development levels of indigenous peoples and communities living in the region are more significant than being a commercial and economic gain center provided by the rich energy resources and new maritime trade routes which emerged due to global warming. Özet RF ve ABD’nin Arktik politika, doktrin, strateji ve uyuşmazlık konularını ele alan güncel literatür incelendiğinde realist ve liberal bakış açılarından analizler sunan iki temel yaklaşımın olduğu görülmektedir. Söz konusu analizlerin büyük bir kısmı başta enerji güvenliği ve askeri konular olmak üzere, tekil ve doğrusal boyutlar üzerine odaklanmaktadır. Uyuşmazlık boyutlarını realist bir bakış açısıyla irdeleyerek, liberal perspektifin sunduğu iş birliği ve yönetişimle sentezleyebilen çalışma sayısı ise oldukça azdır. Bölgeye yönelik daha derinlikli bir anlayışı, dolayısıyla, güvenlik aktörleri arasında uyuşmazlıkların çözümünün yanı sıra iş birliği ve uzmanlık paylaşımını teşvik edebilecek çok disiplinli boyutların analize dâhil edildiği kapsamlı çalışmalara ihtiyaç bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmada bahsi geçen uyuşmazlık konuları, gerçekçilik (realism), akılcılık (rationalism) ve devrimcilik (revolutionism) geleneklerini sentezleyerek özgün bir çerçeve sunabilen İngiliz Okulu perspektifinden irdelenmiştir. Sonuç bölümünde anlaşmazlıkların çözümü için uluslararası hukuka uygun olası çözüm önerileri İngiliz Okulu yaklaşımının sunduğu daha geniş kapsamlı bir çerçevede tartışılmıştır. Ayrıca bölgeye yönelik büyük çaplı yatırımları ve iş birliği anlaşmaları ile çeşitli tartışmalara yol açan Çin Halk Cumhuriyeti’nin (ÇHC) üçüncü aktör olarak bölge hâkimiyet mücadelesindeki rolü ve işlevi de incelemeye dâhil edilmiştir. Güç temelli yaklaşımların yerini, bağlayıcılığı bulunan uluslararası kuralların aldığı günümüzde Arktik Bölgesi’ndeki iş birliği potansiyelinin geliştirilebilmesi için başta kıyıdaş devletler olmak üzere uluslararası toplumun; küresel ısınma nedeniyle ortaya çıkan zengin enerji kaynaklarının ve yeni deniz ulaşım / ticaret yollarının sunduğu ticari ve ekonomik bir kazanç merkezi olmaktan ziyade ortak bilimsel çalışmaları destekleyen ve bölgede yaşayan yerli halkların ve toplulukların sosyoekonomik koşullarını ve insani gelişim düzeylerini artıracak önlemleri önceleyen politikalar geliştirmelerinin daha önemli olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

scholarly journals China’s Arctic Policy: Challenges to Regional Security (1990s – 2020s)

2021 ◽  
pp. 377-388
Author(s):  
Oleksandr Horobets ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Regional Security ◽  
The World ◽  
Arctic Policy ◽  
The Arctic Region

The article analyzes the evolution of China's Arctic policy, which has expanded over three decades from individual polar research to observer status in the Arctic Council and the existence of a state Arctic strategy. China and Russia have established mutually beneficial cooperation in the Arctic region in such conditions, when in many areas there are fundamental contradictions between the countries. The West did not have a long-term strategy capable of responding to current security challenges, including in the Arctic. When Russia tried to regain lost positions on the world stage in 2007-2008, China became an increasingly influential player in the world. If before the Arctic had been outside the lines of rivalry for decades, the question of the Far North as an arena of military competition began to take first place. China has become a long-term threat to both the United States and Russia. In previous years, with the help of the China, Moscow had the opportunity to receive the necessary investments and technologies for large-scale Arctic projects. The more Beijing attempts to establish itself as an influential player in the Arctic, the more the threat to other Arctic countries will grow. The Russian Federation has positioned itself as a leader in the region. The country's policy was aimed at strengthening this status through regional control and expansion of the military presence. This led to a response from the United States and NATO countries. In Russia it was assessed as a threat. The question arises as to what the strategy of the United States should be, and whether it will be possible to resist the costly arms race. If not, then the competition will be concentrated in the political and economic spheres. A particular aspect is the rapid militarization of the Arctic region after 2014, primarily due to changes in Russia's military strategy, which extends to the North. This has led to the tensions between the United States and Russia. China has not yet resorted to expand its military power in the Arctic. China's policy of economic and infrastructural influence is opposed to military methods. The effectiveness of Chinese non-military methods of influence is assessed

Global mapping of seasonal variations in tides from tide gauge and satellite altimeter data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inger Bij de Vaate ◽  
Henrique Guarneri ◽  
Cornelis Slobbe ◽  
Martin Verlaan
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Seasonal Variations ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Altimeter Data ◽  
Tide Gauges ◽  
Tidal Constituents ◽  
The Arctic Region

<p>The existence of seasonal variations in major tides has been recognized since decades. Where Corkan (1934) was the first to describe the seasonal perturbation of the M2 tide, many others have studied seasonal variations in the main tidal constituents since. However, most of these studies are based on sea level observations from tide gauges and are often restricted to coastal and shelf regions. Hence, observed seasonal variations are typically dominated by local processes and the large-scale patterns cannot be clearly distinguished. Moreover, most tide models still perceive tides as annually constant and seasonal variation in tides is ignored in the correction process of satellite altimetry. This results in reduced accuracy of obtained sea level anomalies. </p><p>To gain more insight in the large-scale seasonal variations in tides, we supplemented the clustered and sparsely distributed sea level observations from tide gauges by the wealth of data from satellite altimeters. Although altimeter-derived water levels are being widely used to obtain tidal constants, only few of these implementations consider seasonal variation in tides. For that reason, we have set out to explore the opportunities provided by altimeter data for deriving seasonal modulation of the main tidal constituents. Different methods were implemented and compared for the principal tidal constituents and a range of geographical domains, using data from a selection of satellite altimeters. Specific attention was paid to the Arctic region where seasonal variation in tides was expected to be significant as a result of the seasonal sea ice cycle, yet data availability is particularly limited. Our study demonstrates the potential of satellite altimetry for the quantification of seasonal modulation of tides and suggests the seasonal modulation to be considerable. Already for M2 we observed changes in tidal amplitude of the order of decimeters for the Arctic region, and centimeters for lower latitude regions.</p><p> </p><div>Corkan, R. H. (1934). An annual perturbation in the range of tide. <em>Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series A, Containing Papers of a Mathematical and Physical Character</em>, <em>144</em>(853), 537-559.</div>

NATIONAL SECURITY CHALLENGES OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION IN THE ARCTIC REGION

2020 ◽  
pp. 74-83
Author(s):  
Pavel A. Anisimov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
National Security ◽  
Russian Federation ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Early 21St Century ◽  
Political Processes ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Arctic Region

The article examines the main challenges to the national security of the Russian Federation in the Arctic region. In particular, the author analyzes the reasons for the behavioral patterns of Russia and the NATO countries in relation to the Arctic through the prism of a realistic paradigm in the theory of international relations. It is the comprehensive approach to the consideration of the Arctic situation that determines the novelty and relevance of the study. In connection with the discovery and development of large mineral deposits, the role of the Arctic region in modern world political processes has increased. Also, since the late 20th – early 21st century, the Arctic has been in the focus of increased attention of international actors due to its geopolitical importance. All this makes it a priority for Russia. The intensification of the economic activity of the Russian Federation in the Arctic, as well as the implementation of such projects as the Northern Sea Route, has become the cause of the growing tensions in the region. The United States and other NATO countries, whose geopolitical interests are affected, are not only strengthening their anti-Russian rhetoric, but also increasing their military presence. In turn, this is perceived by the Russian side as a strategic threat and leads to mirror measures, including the deployment of a military infrastructure and an increase in the number of military exercises. However, despite growing tensions in the Arctic, Russia has consistently demonstrated its readiness for open dialogue and cooperation with its Western partners.

scholarly journals U.S. Arctic policy: the agenda of 2019

2020 ◽  
pp. 25-37
Author(s):  
Andrei Andreevich Kovalev
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
Climatic Changes ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Arctic Policy ◽  
Defense Cooperation ◽  
Relevant Consideration ◽  
The Arctic Region

This article explores the key stages of the development of U.S. policy with regards to Arctic Region. The goal is set to outline the fundamental interests of the United States in the Arctic, as well as analyze the actions aimed at their achievement. The article examines the main priorities in U.S. Arctic policy, namely the protection and preservation of resources and ecosystem in the Arctic Region, scientific study of climatic changes, peculiarities of economic development of Alaska, and national security interests of the state. The questions of interaction of Arctic states with regards to defense cooperation become increasingly relevant. Consideration of the mid-term and long-term prospects of U.S. Arctic policy allowed the author focusing attention on the news aspects of U.S. government actions. Maritime capabilities of the United States in the Arctic waters are views in the context of modern tendencies. The author attempted to trace the prospects for expansion of U.S. influence in the Arctic Region based on the current agenda of 2019.

scholarly journals Some issues of cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 335-339
Author(s):  
Elena S. Novikova ◽  
◽  
Anna V. Kripak ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Economic Relations ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
The Arctic Region

The article is devoted to the consideration of the reasons and a number of areas of cooperation between Russia and China in the Arctic region. The importance of this region for Russia and China is analyzed. The advantages of the Arctic for the two countries in terms of territory, economy, and politics are revealed. The conclusion is made about the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the exacerbation of the crisis of political and economic relations between China, Russia, and the United States.

scholarly journals Dynamics of disturbance level of total electron content at high and middle latitudes according to GPS data

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Наталья Перевалова ◽  
Natalia Perevalova ◽  
Илья Едемский ◽  
Ilya Edemsky ◽  
Ольга Тимофеева ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Electron Content ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Continuous Series ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Ionospheric Disturbances ◽  
Minimum Level ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
The Arctic Region

We study the level of total electron content (TEC) disturbance in ionospheric mid-latitude and high-latitude regions during 2013. TEC behavior is calculated using data from two GPS stations: MOND (Mondy) and NRIL (Norilsk). TEC variations are calculated from two-frequency phase measurements for all radio rays. We analyze the TEC variations in two time ranges: 10 and 40 min. These ranges correspond to middle- and large-scale ionospheric disturbances respectively. The TEC disturbance level is characterized using the special index WTEC. WTEC allows us to receive multi-day continuous series of average TEC variation intensity. We reveal that at high latitudes WTEC variations agree well with AE ones. The correlation between WTEC and Dst variations is much less. The minimum level of TEC disturbance is independent of the season in the Arctic region; diurnal WTEC variations are more pronounced for medium-scale ionospheric disturbances than for large-scale ones. At mid-latitudes, the WTEC behavior agrees well with the Dst and Kp variations only during strong magnetic storms. The minimum level of TEC disturbance is higher in summer than in winter. At mid-latitudes, the sunset terminator generates gravitational waves. In the Arctic region, terminator-generated waves are not observed.

scholarly journals Radioactive contamination mitigation in the Arctic region

2019 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Sarkisov
Keyword(s):  
Radioactive Contamination ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Spent Nuclear Fuel ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Radiochemical Plant ◽  
Nuclear Weapon Testing ◽  
Weapon Testing ◽  
The Arctic Region

This article discusses the most significant sources of large-scale radioactive contamination to which the Arctic has been exposed since the middle of the last century, which are identified as 1) radioactive fallout and deposition from nuclear weapon testing; 2) plum waste from the Sellafield radiochemical plant (United Kingdom) and Cap de la Ag (France) nuclear fleet operation; 3) radioisotope thermoelectric generators; and 4) submerged and sunken radioactive objects. The article assesses the comparative contribution and associated radioecological risks of these sources, and special attention is focused on the “nuclear legacy” of the USSR/Russian nuclear fleet and the search for solutions. The article describes the content and implementation results of the “Development of a Strategic Master Plan for Disposition of Decommissioned Russian Nuclear-Powered Fleet and Rehabilitation of Hazardously Radioactive Sites and Facilities of Its Support Infrastructure” which was developed with broad international cooperation. Attention is drawn to remaining environmental problems associated with submerged and sunken objects that contain spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste in the Arctic, and the article presents generalized data on such objects and associated risks of water contamination as identified by analyses of model studies of possible accident consequences.

scholarly journals Norwway’s Arctic security policy: agenda of 2019

2020 ◽  
pp. 23-35
Author(s):  
Andrei Andreevich Kovalev
Keyword(s):  
Security Policy ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Military Presence ◽  
Arctic Security ◽  
Arctic Policy ◽  
Further Development ◽  
The Arctic Region

The goal of this article consists in comprehensive analysis of the domestic and foreign security policy of Norway in the regions of Norwegian Arctic and Northern Norway. This work explores the geographical peculiarities and economy of the regions; questions of international cooperation, impacting the domestic policy as a whole and Arctic policy in particular; Norway’s military interests and military presence of NATO and the United States in the region of Norwegian Arctic. Attention is given to the relations between Norway and Russia, since they influence the overall balance between countries in the Arctic region. The conducted analysis demonstrates that Arctic region is strategically important for Norway from the perspectives of both, domestic and foreign policy. Norway plans to pay attention to respect nation’s sovereignty, which is necessary for successful development of the region, its economy, security, and conducting scientific research in the Arctic. Norway’s Arctic policy is closely tied to relations with Russia and NATO member-states, and its further development on this vector can play a positive role for the entire global community. Carrying out dual policy with regards to Russia, Norway welcomes the strengthening of military presence of the NATO countries in the region.                                                          

scholarly journals Cross-polar transport and scavenging of Siberian aerosols containing black carbon during the 2012 ACCESS summer campaign

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (18) ◽  
pp. 10969-10995 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Christophe Raut ◽  
Louis Marelle ◽  
Jerome D. Fast ◽  
Jennie L. Thomas ◽  
Bernadett Weinzierl ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Black Carbon ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Convective Precipitation ◽  
Svalbard Archipelago ◽  
Wet Removal ◽  
The Arctic Region

Abstract. During the ACCESS airborne campaign in July 2012, extensive boreal forest fires resulted in significant aerosol transport to the Arctic. A 10-day episode combining intense biomass burning over Siberia and low-pressure systems over the Arctic Ocean resulted in efficient transport of plumes containing black carbon (BC) towards the Arctic, mostly in the upper troposphere (6–8 km). A combination of in situ observations (DLR Falcon aircraft), satellite analysis and WRF-Chem simulations is used to understand the vertical and horizontal transport mechanisms of BC with a focus on the role of wet removal. Between the northwestern Norwegian coast and the Svalbard archipelago, the Falcon aircraft sampled plumes with enhanced CO concentrations up to 200 ppbv and BC mixing ratios up to 25 ng kg−1. During transport to the Arctic region, a large fraction of BC particles are scavenged by two wet deposition processes, namely wet removal by large-scale precipitation and removal in wet convective updrafts, with both processes contributing almost equally to the total accumulated deposition of BC. Our results underline that applying a finer horizontal resolution (40 instead of 100 km) improves the model performance, as it significantly reduces the overestimation of BC levels observed at a coarser resolution in the mid-troposphere. According to the simulations at 40 km, the transport efficiency of BC (TEBC) in biomass burning plumes was larger (60 %), because it was impacted by small accumulated precipitation along trajectory (1 mm). In contrast TEBC was small (< 30 %) and accumulated precipitation amounts were larger (5–10 mm) in plumes influenced by urban anthropogenic sources and flaring activities in northern Russia, resulting in transport to lower altitudes. TEBC due to large-scale precipitation is responsible for a sharp meridional gradient in the distribution of BC concentrations. Wet removal in cumulus clouds is the cause of modeled vertical gradient of TEBC, especially in the mid-latitudes, reflecting the distribution of convective precipitation, but is dominated in the Arctic region by the large-scale wet removal associated with the formation of stratocumulus clouds in the planetary boundary layer (PBL) that produce frequent drizzle.

scholarly journals Russia, NATO and the Arctic: Rivalry, Security, Possible Scenarios of Geopolitical Competition

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 758-771
Author(s):  
Igor A. Arzhanov
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
The Usa ◽  
Northern Territories ◽  
The One ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
Military Activity ◽  
The Arctic Region

The article is devoted to the analysis of key aspects of the geopolitical struggle for the Arctic region. The relevance of the research stems from the fact that due to climate change and the reduction of ice cover in the Northern Hemisphere, the Arctic is of increasing interest to world powers, which are competing for control over new deposits of natural resources and strategic dominance in the region. It is emphasized that the Arctic has become a region where leading states are trying to implement various geopolitical strategies. On the one hand, the four members of the Arctic Five under the auspices of NATO are trying to implement a scenario in which the polar zone is divided into stable zones of influence. On the other hand, there are the interests and position of Russia, which is concerned about the increased military activity of the United States and NATO in the region. The purpose of the article is to study the problems of the Arctic militarization, which will make it possible to identify challenges and threats in this region for Russias national strategy. The research methodology is based on theoretical analysis and dialectical method. In addition, the study used formal logical methods and various approaches to information processing (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction). The forecasting method helped to determine the range of possible military and political trends in the region. The article identifies the potential interests of Russia, the United States and NATO in the context of increased attention to the Arctic region in recent years. The study reflects a comparative analysis of the policies and interests of the member states of the Arctic Five and NATO, namely Denmark, Canada, Norway and the USA, their practical steps in the High North. The author describes possible prospects for interaction and dialogue on countering the main threats to international security within the framework of a comprehensive strategy. Considering the role and rivalry between Russia and NATO in the Arctic, the article highlights the authors forecasts of further military and political presence of NATO in the Arctic and the necessary actions for Russia to defend its northern territories.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document