International Competition in the Arctic: The Svalbard Archipelago as a Case Study
the international and political journal
Keywords:
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), Geostrategic Significance.Abstract
This research examines the trends in international competition in the Arctic region, taking the Svalbard Archipelago as a case study. It explores the growing geostrategic significance of the archipelago within the framework of international interactions in the Arctic. The study seeks to analyse its geographical, political, economic and security dimensions, trace the patterns of international competition surrounding it, and identify the principal actors, their interests and their strategies in this strategically important region.
The research is based on the problem arising from the growing international interest in the Svalbard Archipelago and the resulting interplay of interests and divergent strategies among Arctic powers and other states with geostrategic interests in the region. This has contributed to the emergence of multiple forms and dimensions of competition. The study also seeks to address the research gap concerning the relationship between the archipelago's geostrategic significance and the increasing international efforts to strengthen influence and safeguard strategic interests there.
The research adopts the historical approach to trace the historical developments of the archipelago and analyse the circumstances that have shaped its legal and political status, as well as to investigate the historical roots of international powers' interest in it. It also employs the descriptive approach to analyse states' policies and strategies towards the archipelago and examine the nature of international interactions associated with their geostrategic interests in the region.
The research has reached several findings. Most notably, the geostrategic significance of the Svalbard Archipelago has prompted a number of international powers to adopt various strategies aimed at strengthening their presence and safeguarding their interests and influence in the region. The study has also demonstrated that the growing strategic awareness of the archipelago's importance has resulted in the adoption of diverse security, economic and political approaches towards it. Furthermore, the military dimension has assumed increasing importance within the context of geostrategic competition, particularly in view of the archipelago's location in relation to strategically significant maritime routes and its relevance to Russian maritime security considerations.
The research concludes that the Svalbard Archipelago constitutes a geostrategic area in which the economic, political and security interests of Arctic powers and other states with interests in the Arctic region intersect. Its geostrategic significance has contributed to increased international activity and intensifying competition over the archipelago. Accordingly, the research confirms the validity of its central hypothesis, which holds that the geostrategic significance of the Svalbard Archipelago has contributed to the escalation of international activities and competition towards it.
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