Changing Geopolitics: Reinforcing Competitive Proclivities in the Arctic Region

Abstract

The US 2021 Arctic strategy views the Arctic as a shared zone and potential corridor for strategic war. Arctic nations became more circumspect in 2014 after Russia intervened in Ukraine, and now the war between Ukraine and Russia has advanced, littoral governments are gravely concerned for their security and national interests. Russia's fear and quest for regional control are primarily caused by NATO's increasing involvement, which Moscow views as a threat to its national security. The possibility for expanded militarization and information-gathering activities are some of the new security realities in the Arctic. The politicization of the Arctic region can be understood by categorizing it into three major variables: security, economy, and climate change. Climate change has opened up new avenues for security and economic development. It has increased competitiveness in shipping and security. Each of these elements has been explored in this work. The paper is divided into two sections; the first explores how state actors might easily exploit trading opportunities and considerable economic prospects as a result of climate change. The second part of the article addresses how different actors' arctic strategies create dilemmas and raise current security issues in the Arctic region.