Environmental Cooperation as a Driver of ‘Low Politics’ in the Baltic Sea: An Actor-Based Analysis

Abstract

The geopolitical collision between the European Union (EU) and Russia is being heightened by the recent war between Russia and Ukraine. The former has financed Ukraine for self-defence and reinforced economic sanctions against Russia. In response, the latter has ceased energy exports to and increased the military strength in bordered areas with its European counterpart. As the war continues, the security tension intensified in the Black Sea diffuses to the Baltic Sea that the two great powers share. This research casted light on four types of organisations for ‘low politics’, which bridges Europe and Russia by addressing common agenda for the environment and public health. Those are intergovernmental organisations, city networks, civil society coalitions, and university networks. The study found that although these actors are not powerful enough to reshape the landscape of regional security politics, they contribute to confidence building in the long term and enhancing living standards through cross-border cooperation.