Russia and the United States in the Arctic: from Competition to Confrontation

Abstract

The rivalry of great powers for hegemony and influence that has unfolded in the modern multipolar world is increasingly evident in the Arctic, a strategically important region of the world and exceptionally rich in natural resources. Тhe attractiveness of the Arctic and the competition of great powers around it are growing due to the objective changes taking place in the Far North in four important areas (technology, economy, climate, and law), contributing to the economic development of the region. The clash of interests, primarily between the United States and Russia, is leading to an increase in military and political tension, turning the once abandoned peripheral region of the Far North into a zone of increased information, as well as political, and, most importantly, military activity of the superpowers. This article analyzes the increased popularity of the Arctic topic in the foreign policy of the United States and Russia, which is associated with climate warming, the accelerated melting of glaciers in the Arctic, the prospect of opening new sea routes, and the growing activity of the Arctic and other states, primarily China, in the region. Against the background of recent international events related to the Arctic, the Arctic direction of the foreign policy of Washington, Moscow, and Beijing is considered. The emphasis is placed on its military‒political component, given that the growing political tension in the Arctic can lead to a new generation of armed conflicts and exacerbate the situation not only in the Northern region but also in the international arena as a whole. The situation is aggravated by the fact that there are no recognized norms of international law in the Arctic regarding the Arctic states’ ownership of concrete vast sectors of the Arctic Ocean and islands in its aquatic area. The delimitation of maritime boundaries and the determination of rights to economic activities here remain the main problem. Political tension is growing.