... an increased securitization of the Arctic set in motion by Russia’s enhanced military presence (and responsive measures by NATO) as well as China’s growing economic presence in the region. As U.S. and Russian priorities in the region continue to evolve, Washington and Moscow should strengthen existing lines of communication and ... ... lower the risk of inadvertent escalation and build greater regional confidence. At the same time, they should work within the Arctic Council to define a positive agenda (in particular on, but not limited to, the Arctic marine environment) that is responsive ...
... Arctic nations, militarizing the Arctic brings a great deal of concern for a number of reasons. These include the asymmetric power balance between Russia and other Arctic nations in the region, an increase in bilateral partnership cooperation between Russia and China, a lack of mandate at the Arctic Council to discuss military security issues among the Arctic nations, etc. As a result, I think the NATO build-up and its recent military exercises are counteractions to respond to Russia's militarization of the Arctic region in the event of asymmetric power relations.
I still, however, think that the Arctic should be considered as a unique region, ...
... President of Finland’s “breakthrough idea” of an “Arctic summit” did not materialize. Finland will continue to chair the Arctic Council until the spring of 2019, and such a summit would sound a powerful chord at the end of the country’s northern ... ... various powers would step up their struggle for control over natural resources, and that the military confrontation between NATO and Russia would expand, did not come true either. The forecasts of China’s expansion in the Arctic under the slogan of developing ...
... for conflict. At the same time, it is important to bear in mind that Russia is sensitive when it comes to increased NATO presence close to its own borders. Russia has numerous times reiterated its discontent with Swedish and Finnish cooperation with NATO, which are two members of the Arctic Council, with the latter sharing a huge border with Russia. Considering what happened in Georgia and Ukraine, the United States should think twice before increasing NATO presence within the Arctic region, as Russia would doubtlessly feel threatened by such a move. Russia could doubtlessly use this to its ...
