Russia, the USA and the Arctic. Part 2. Conflicts and the new arms race

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the primary background issues for the growth of the conflict potential of the US-Russia relations in the Arctic region. The author focuses on the competition for control over the Arctic continental shelf. The Arctic Council has been paralyzed since the start of a special emergency operation. The confrontation in the Northern Sea Route between Russia and the USA, advocating «freedom of navigation», is considered. The article analyses doctrinal documents of Russia and the United States and evaluates the military history of the Arctic region and the arms race launched by NATO in the Arctic. Russian defense response is briefly described.