The Russian and American orientation towards the Arctic and its future prospects
the international and political journal
Abstract
The Arctic is undergoing rapid transformations, making it one of the most important emerging geopolitical spaces in the contemporary international system. This is due to climate change, which has led to ice melt and the opening of new sea routes, as well as its vast natural resources. The study also addresses the geopolitical dimensions of the Arctic by analyzing its strategic geographical location, which connects three major continents, in addition to vital maritime routes such as the Northeast and Northwest Passages. These routes play a role in reshaping global trade maps and reducing time and economic costs, making the Arctic a focal point of strategic competition among major powers , The study examines the nature of Russian and American approaches to the Arctic.
The Russian Federation has adopted proactive policies based on strengthening its military presence and developing its infrastructure in the region, along with investing in natural resources and establishing a geopolitical reality that reinforces its control, leveraging its extensive Arctic coastline. In contrast, the United States has adopted a more balanced approach, combining security, economic, and political dimensions, with a focus on ensuring freedom of navigation, preventing unilateral hegemony, and strengthening cooperation with allies within an institutional framework , The study revealed that the Russian Federation is pursuing the militarization of the region and expanding its defensive and offensive capabilities, while the United States is working to contain this expansion by strengthening its military presence and intensifying coordination with its partners. Economically, the two countries compete to exploit resources and open new trade routes, while the political dimension is evident in each side's attempts to impose governance rules that align with its strategic interests.
The study concluded that the Arctic will remain an arena of strategic competition between the Russian Federation and the United States in the foreseeable future, and that the outcome of this competition will be determined by a combination of geopolitical, military, and economic factors, as well as the impact of climate change. It also suggested that the Russian Federation is likely to maintain relative control over the Arctic.
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