Michael Horlick, MPM, M Ed., PMP’s Post

As the alliance between Russia and China deepens in the Arctic, the frozen region is becoming more critical than ever in international relations. Read more about what experts have been discussing at the East-West Center: https://lnkd.in/eKb8nK5A

https://lnkd.in/gwXFF3rK "China’s Arctic engagement has increased considerably during the past decade, which has not only offered plentiful economic opportunities but also created new risks and concerns among the eight Arctic states, non-state actors, and peoples. To increase understanding of dimensions of Beijing’s Arctic activities, The Arctic Institute’s China Series 2020 probes into China’s evolving Arctic interests, policies, and strategies, and analyses their ramifications for the region (and beyond)."

The US president-elect recently made comments on taking over Greenland - but Donald Trump's prospects for the Danish island can be traced back to his first term. "There will always be a geopolitical element to international development aid, and for the people of Greenland the idea of a foreign power making great promises and delivering more pain than prosperity will be nothing new". Who deserves to rule the Arctic? Revisit this 2020 article from opinion editor Sulaiman Hakemy

#WorldWarIII is more likely to start in the #Arctic than in the South China Sea around #Taiwan. Why? A war started in the #Pacific would involve only two major powers, the #US and #China and thus would stand some chance to be contained. By contrast, a war in the Arctic would involve many more powers, all of them bordering either directly or indirectly on the Arctic. Read more 👉 https://lnkd.in/dsGznumm

Arctic on the agenda 🌐 In a time where both planetary systems and international institutions are being put to the test, Nordic Cooperation in the #Arctic is more crucial than ever. Today the Nordic Council convenes in Iceland under the theme ‘peace and security in the Arctic’. Ukrainian president Zelensky addressed the Council, stressing the dramatic shift in the European security landscape. A shift that will have repercussions to the Arctic too. How to deal with the new geopolitical reality was also a central feature during the Arctic Circle conference in Reykjavik. As the Embassy to both Norway and Iceland, Ambassador Ines Coppoolse and Jorunn Kristina Skodje were actively participating in discussions relating to the #Arctic. We were joined by the the Inclusive Green Growth Department, Wampie Libon and Ids van der Iest, completing the NL Arctic Team. The Arctic might seem far away from the Netherlands, it's importance for the world, both in terms of security, environment, research and climate systems, are undeniable.

In the first CAS Commentary after the summer holiday, I discuss China's interest in Arctic policy and the pushback it has created. Enjoy!

One of my Arctic studies has appeared in Arctic Governance section of the latest US Congress Report titled “Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress” prepared by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). Arktik konulu çalışmalarımdan biri, Amerikan Bilim İnsanları Federasyonu (FAS) tarafından hazırlanan “Changes in the Arctic: Background and Issues for Congress” başlıklı en son ABD Kongre Raporu'nun Arktik Yönetişimi bölümünde referans çalışma olarak yer aldı. According to the recent report: "Military activity is likely to increase as Arctic and non-Arctic states seek to protect their investments, exploit new maritime routes, and gain strategic advantages over rivals."

Kirkenes, a small town in Norway, is poised to become a key stop on China’s Polar Silk Road, as climate change makes Arctic shipping routes more viable. As ice melts #climatechange along the Northern Sea Route, Kirkenes is strategically located to link China with Europe #globalpowershift positioning itself as a vital port for future international trade. What will happen to the king crabs city…

Canada-U.S. Arctic Cooperation It’s encouraging to witness Canada and the United States, long-standing allies and close friends, taking a significant step forward in Arctic collaboration with the creation of a joint task force to negotiate the Beaufort Sea boundary. In a rapidly changing Arctic landscape marked by new challenges and strategic competition, this collaborative effort exemplifies how democracies and allies can address complex local and global issues. By working jointly to clarify maritime boundaries and engaging meaningfully with Indigenous partners, Canada and the U.S. are establishing precedents for responsible conservation and sustainable use of Arctic resources. This is a shining example of what is possible when friends and allies unite to promote, protect, and defend shared values and environments. Let’s hope this inspires other democracies and their allies around the world to pursue similar collaborative approaches to global challenges. #ArcticCooperation #CanadaUSRelations #AlliesInAction #SustainableFuture https://lnkd.in/eCE2ZDsK

Russia’s Arctic policy highlights not just the protection of national interests but also the importance of building partnerships with non-Arctic states that adopt a constructive stance toward cooperation in the region. This policy is evident in the development of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), a strategic maritime passage linking Europe and Asia. The NSR’s growing significance as a viable alternative to traditional routes like the Suez Canal has drawn considerable attention from global powers. By cutting transit times significantly, the route offers both economic benefits and geopolitical leverage. For Russia, the NSR is more than a shipping lane—it’s a critical part of its broader Arctic vision. Collaborating with states such as China, India, and South Korea allows Russia to combine its expertise in Arctic navigation with the technological advancements these nations offer. China, for instance, has shown a vested interest through its Polar Silk Road initiative, which aligns with Russia’s objectives of modernizing port infrastructure and developing icebreaker fleets. Such partnerships are mutually advantageous and help overcome the Arctic’s natural challenges, including extreme weather and navigational complexities. Russia’s unique position gives it an undeniable upper hand in the Arctic. With the world’s largest fleet of nuclear-powered icebreakers and unparalleled experience in polar logistics, Russia ensures that the NSR remains operational even under harsh conditions. Moreover, its control over critical Arctic ports bolsters its ability to regulate international shipping and foster trade. This dominance underscores Russia’s strategic foresight in capitalizing on its geographical advantages and long-standing expertise in the Arctic environment. While there are ongoing disputes and geopolitical complexities, including environmental considerations, the NSR stands as a cornerstone of Russia’s Arctic strategy. Russia’s ability to invite meaningful cooperation with non-Arctic states reflects its focus on making the Arctic a space of shared opportunity rather than confrontation. #ArcticPolicy #NorthernSeaRoute #RussiaInTheArctic #ArcticCooperation #GlobalShipping #Geopolitics #ArcticDevelopment #PolarStrategy #SustainableArctic #IcebreakerFleet #Arctic #Russia **Map's Source: Civilsdaily