scholarly journals Chinese geopolitical goals in the Arctic

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
I. S. Doroshenko
Keyword(s):  
Arctic Region ◽  
The United States ◽  
Silk Road ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
The World ◽  
The Silk Road ◽  
The Arctic Region

The People’s Republic of China is increasing its influence around the world every day. It’s hard not to notice the aggressive economic expansion being carried out by China in the Asian region. Chinese presence is felt in Africa, South America and even in Europe. By engaging in a trade war with the United States, China thereby challenged the most influential economy in the world, which is confirmed by its ambitions as a world leader. To meet these ambitions, a powerful transport and logistics support is necessary, which gave rise to the “Belts and Ways” initiative. The initiative “One Belt - One Road” combines two projects: “The Economic Belt of the Silk Road” and “The Sea Silk Road of the XXI Century”. This means that, in addition to the traditional land routes of the Silk Road, Beijing is exploring the sea routes along the African continent and in the Pacific Ocean. Since the initiative does not have a clear strategy, the northern routes that have recently become relevant are also considered by the Chinese authorities.The search for an alternative to the Suez Canal has repeatedly prompted researchers to use the Northern Sea Route as a trading artery linking Europe and Asia, but climatic conditions and technical capabilities did not allow this idea to be realized. The current situation in the Arctic region allows us to talk about new development prospects.China is actively interested in the Arctic: since 2013, it has an observer status in the Arctic Council, has been increasing its presence in the region by organizing scientific expeditions, building icebreakers, introducing its own brand “Northern Silk Road”, and also investing in projects like “Yamal LNG». China outlined its presence in the Arctic region in a white paper published in January 2018. One of the main goals that Beijing sets for itself is multilateral cooperation in the development of the Northern Sea Route.The author of the article analyzes the origins of such interest, as well as possible threats to Russia. The study also examines the position of European partners in the participation of the development of the SMP, bilateral relations with the Chinese side and the ratio of the strategy of the European Union, China and Russia in the High North. The author gives a geopolitical rationale for Chinese initiatives that are aimed at creating the conditions for intensive navigation in the northern areas.

scholarly journals THE PROJECT «ICE SILK ROAD» WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE INITIATIVE «ONE BELT AND ONE ROAD» AS THE REALIZATION OF THE INTERESTS OF RUSSIA AND CHINA IN THE ARCTIC REGION

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 333-345
Author(s):  
Kristina M Mikhaylichenko
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
Silk Road ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
People's Republic Of China ◽  
Republic Of China ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
The World ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
The Arctic Region

The article discusses the place and importance of the Arctic region and the Northern Sea Route on the geopolitical map of the world. The author defines the interests of the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China in the Arctic, characterizes the project “Ice Silk Road” within the framework of the initiative “One Belt and One Road”, analyzes the existing Russian-Chinese cooperation and identifies the most promising areas of cooperation. The author comes to the conclusion about the global potential of the Arctic cooperation between the two countries.

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

Involvement of 'Outsiders' in the Arctic Region

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-22
Author(s):  
Aliyeva Incha
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
United Nations Environment Programme ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Climate Conditions ◽  
Harsh Climate ◽  
The Arctic Region

Since ancient times people have had access to the Arctic Circle, however, the last few decades have seen recent technological advancements that have allowed the area to be explored more comprehensively. This has created a significantly more complex picture than before as it has been called the new “Great Game.” With the rising interests of eight nations and other non-Arctic countries in the region, overlapping territorial claims have the potential to create new challenges. It is anticipated that increased interest will lead to an increase in the number of vessels transiting the region, despite harsh climate conditions. Meanwhile, the Arctic is experiencing environmental change that is inescapably leading to a new geopolitical reality. Authors, such as Jason Dittmer, have claimed that “The Arctic is evolving from a regional frozen backwater into a global hot issue.” This article discusses the colliding interests and current state of affairs of the three Arctic Council Asian observer countries, China, Japan, and South Korea, as well as those of two observer organizations, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the European Union (EU). Sustainability is one of the major priorities of these countries, which has been reflected in their Arctic policies. The reason for examining China, Japan, and South Korea is that they are growing superpowers and industrialized countries with varying interests in regards to the Arctic region.

Problems of development of Arctic hydrocarbon resources under the current conditions.

2021 ◽  
pp. 70-81
Author(s):  
Anna Borisovna Nikolaeva ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Alternative Energy ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Recovery Period ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Expert Assessment ◽  
Low Level ◽  
The World ◽  
The Arctic Region

The Arctic is the richest and at the same time the most difficult region to develop in the world. Exploration and exploitation of its deposits are inevitable for Russia and mankind as a whole. The Arctic region is characterized by extreme nature-climatic conditions, with a rather low level of economic development and remoteness from industrial centers, a low level or lack of any infrastructure as well as by instability of the ecological system to anthropogenic impact and a long recovery period. Since the potential of the resources currently being developed will be exhausted within several decades, and the world economies are not yet ready for a full transition to alternative energy resources, it is necessary to search for and develop new hydrocarbon reserves that determines the relevance of the study.The aim of the study is to identify the main problems arising when exploiting hydrocarbons in the Arctic region. The set of problems identified predetermines an integrated approach to their solutions. In this case, it is about reforming legislation, increasing funding, and attracting new participants in the international cooperation. Since the export of oil and gas is traditional for the Russian Federation, exploitation of hydrocarbons in the region is a prerequisite for the further economic development of the country. A state policy aimed at development and improvement of new technologies, reducing environmental risks, and deep scientific research of the Arctic, is needed. The method of expert assessment was used, which is applied for solving complex tasks with lack of information, and impossibility of mathematical formalization of the solution process. The basis for the application of this method is the possibility and ability of experts to assess the importance of the problem under study and development prospects for a certain research direction. The expert assessments were highlighted during the study and analysis of the literature.

scholarly journals The Northern Sea Route: The Need and Prospects for Transit of Raw Materials

2020 ◽  
pp. 92-97
Author(s):  
Aleksey Mikhailovich Khorev
Keyword(s):  
Russian Federation ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Existing Problems ◽  
Current State ◽  
Northern Sea Route ◽  
The Russian Federation ◽  
Near Future ◽  
The Arctic Region

The prospects and problems of using the Northern sea route for transportation of raw materials are examined. The author makes an attempt to study the current state of the Northern sea route as the most important transport corridor of the Arctic region, and analyzes the existing problems that reduce the economic efficiency of cargo transit along the NSR. The ways to improve the efficiency of transportation of raw materials along the Northern sea route are reviewed. The author assesses the importance of the Arctic region for the Russian Federation as a whole, as well as he points out the need for its development in the near future.

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.

6. Arctic governance

2021 ◽  
pp. 108-124
Author(s):  
Klaus Dodds ◽  
Jamie Woodward
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Civil Wars ◽  
Social Contexts ◽  
The Other ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Military Conflict ◽  
Northern Latitudes ◽  
The World

‘Arctic governance’ discusses how the Arctic, unlike many other parts of the world, has been spared military conflict, civil wars, and terrorism. Arctic governance involves an array of actors, legal regimes, institutional and social contexts, and strategic aspirations. In 1989, Finland approached the other seven Arctic states with a proposal for the Rovaniemi Meeting, which discusses the protection of the Arctic environment. This provided the foundation for the intergovernmental forum the Arctic Council (1996). The eight Arctic states will remain significant players in the future governance of the northern latitudes alongside indigenous peoples/permanent participants. There will always be powerful drivers that ensure that the 'global Arctic' will be prominent in multiple ways, including the role that China, the European Union, and other external states will play in shaping its future.

COLLECTIVE SECURITY IN THE ARCTIC REGION: INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES OF CONTEMPORARY PROCESSES OF REGIONALIZATION

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sergey Rabkin
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
Cognitive Factors ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Economic Systems ◽  
Collective Security ◽  
New Model ◽  
The World ◽  
Institutional Challenges ◽  
The Arctic Region

The search for a new model of collective security is one of the most important institutional challenges in a multipolar world. Despite the fact that modern processes of regionalization are increasingly determined by cognitive factors, the Arctic region is becoming a macro-region of the world, where the balance of national interest of countries with different economic systems can determine the institutional criteria for future global interaction or confrontation in achieving the goals of sustainable development.

Global Co-management and the Emergent Arctic: Opportunities for Engagement and Collaboration between Arctic States, Indigenous Permanent Participants, and Observers on the Arctic Council

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 251-267
Author(s):  
Barry S. Zellen
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Arctic Region ◽  
The Arctic ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Arctic Council ◽  
Indigenous Participation ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
New Institutions ◽  
Successful Collaboration ◽  
The Arctic Region

Successful collaboration between the indigenous peoples and the sovereign states of Arctic North America has helped to stabilise the Arctic region, fostering meaningful indigenous participation in the governance of their homeland, the introduction of new institutions of self-governance at the municipal, tribal and territorial levels, and successful diplomatic collaborations at the international level through the Arctic Council. This stability and the reciprocal and increasingly balanced relationship between sovereign states and indigenous stakeholders has yielded a widely recognised spirit of international collaboration often referred to as Arctic exceptionalism. With competition in the Arctic between states on the rise, the multitude of co-management systems and the multi-level, inter-governmental and inter-organisational relationships they have nurtured across the region will help to neutralise new threats to ‘Arctic Exceptionalism’ posed by intensifying inter-state tensions.

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.

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