The Soviet Union in Northern Waters — Implications for Resources and Security

Abstract

Russia’s new role as a global maritime power coincides with the Soviet Union’s rapid development as a global superpower. The very rapid development of the Soviet Navy, and of its other maritime capabilities, is a natural and, in Russian eyes, a necessary consequence of the Soviet Union’s ascendence to the role of leading military power in Europe, and to the status of equal to the United States on the global level. By any standard, the maritime development programme carried out by the Soviet Union in the last few decades is a remarkable achievement. The difference of the Soviet system from the conduct of maritime operations in traditional maritime nations, notably in the commercial field but also largely in scientific research, is fundamental. Geography and politics in combination give Northern Waters a special importance for the Soviet Union. Pre-war expectations for mining profits on Spitsbergen were quickly frustrated and during and after the war there was a sharp reduction of activity.