Geopolitics of the Arctic

Summary

The Arctic is no longer a frozen frontier at the edge of world affairs. As ice melts, the region is emerging as a critical arena where climate change, vast natural resources, global shipping routes, security rivalries, and Indigenous rights intersect. From territorial disputes and military posturing to cooperation through the Arctic Council, Arctic geopolitics reveals how environmental change is reshaping global power, opportunity, and responsibility.

During the Cold War, the Arctic held a prominent place in the political and military standoffs between the two superpowers, the USA and the USSR. Credits: Georgetown Journal

Introduction

The Geopolitics of the Arctic encompasses a series of issues that define this unique region. The areas included are the leading Arctic nations such as the US, Russia, Canada, Norway, and Denmark (via Greenland). Non-Arctic countries are becoming involved in Arctic affairs. Arctic geopolitical studies examine how all of these players navigate issues such as sovereignty, security, natural resources, shipping routes, and climate change.

The Arctic is becoming more relevant on a global scale because of its massive oil, gas, and mineral reserves. It has become more accessible to international shipping routes because of melting ice. This touches on environmental concerns, including climate change and the need to protect this fragile ecosystem.

The Geopolitical Landscape of the Arctic

The Arctic spans eight states: the US, Canada, Russia, Finland, Denmark (via Greenland), Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, each pursuing unique resource and security priorities. Territorial disputes abound, notably Russia's claim to Lomonosov Ridge, contested by Canada and Denmark under the United Nations Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) continental shelf rules.

Ilulissat lies alongside the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The icefjord is an arm of Baffin Bay, choked with chunks of ice broken off the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, an arm of Greenland's vast ice cap. Credits: EUMETSAT

Agreements like the 2008 Ilulissat Declaration, signed by five coastal states, promote peaceful dispute resolution, legal compliance, and shared resource management, exemplifying balanced competition and cooperation.

Environmental Changes and Their Geopolitical Implications

Global warming is causing sea ice and ice sheets in the Arctic to melt quickly. This is leading to significant environmental shifts and geopolitical impacts. As ice melts, more areas of the Arctic Ocean and its coastlines are becoming accessible. This has a major impact on the fragile local ecosystem. On the other hand, it opens the Arctic up for new economic opportunities.

The melting ice has revealed underwater resources to these countries. There are large amounts of oil, natural gas, minerals, and rare earth elements that were once hidden beneath thick ice. Additionally, melting ice has ushered in new shipping routes, such as the Northern Sea Route and the future Trans-Polar Route, that can shorten shipping distances and increase traffic along Arctic coastlines.

Scientists studying the impact of fossil fuel development on climate change have said that 100 percent of oil and gas reserves in the Arctic must remain untouched to have a chance of keeping global warming below 2°C this century. Credits: Max Avdeev

Yet shared perils spur cooperation: The Arctic Council coordinates environmental protection and search-rescue, balancing competition with joint governance in this dynamic region.

Strategic importance of natural resources in the Arctic

The Arctic holds around 25% of global undiscovered oil, gas, minerals, including rare earths, copper, nickel, and precious metals, driving national strategies and international interactions. Extracting these resources is no easy task. Harsh weather, thick ice, and remote locations raise the costs and risks.

Additionally, there is limited infrastructure and strict environmental rules. Many resource-rich areas aren't economically viable now, but new technology and rising demand could change that in the near future.

Arctic states expand continental shelf/EEZ claims for energy security, while non-Arctic powers like China eye resources and routes, complicating regional politics.

Security Concerns and Military Posturing in the Arctic

While a full-scale military conflict remains unlikely, the Arctic is important for security reasons. This is why military posturing and surveillance continue to increase in the region. Russia dominates with 53% coastline control, new bases, missiles, and drills signaling intent.

Norway balances fisheries/oil/shipping interests amid severed Russia ties post-Ukraine war. NATO's 7 Arctic members (post-Finland/Sweden accession) invest in icebreakers, warnings, and exercises for deterrence, splitting coastlines nearly evenly. Strategic caution and dialogue prevent escalation.

Governance Frameworks and International Cooperation Mechanisms in Arctic Geopolitics

The Arctic Council, founded in 1996, convenes eight Arctic states and indigenous groups for dialogue, policy alignment, and research on critical issues like search-and-rescue, oil spill response, and environmental monitoring. Lacking binding authority, it establishes norms amid harsh conditions and growing activity, amplifying Indigenous voices such as those of the Sami and Inuit.

The Northern regions of the Arctic States are home to more than four million people, whose health and well-being are at the top of the Arctic Council’s agenda. Credits: Arctic Council

The council has been challenged since Russia’s war with Ukraine in 2022; much of the council's activity was suspended. It still functions, but less effectively than it did prior to the war. The other members of the council collaborate on projects together. Russia continues its chairship program with participation from various countries, but in February 2024, it announced that it was suspending payments to the council.

Indigenous Peoples' Perspectives on Arctic Geopolitics

Indigenous communities have a crucial presence in Arctic geopolitics. They are the ones who live there and deal with the setbacks. Their presence is a testament to the region’s human aspect. The Sami in Scandinavia and the Inuit in Greenland, Canada, and Alaska have been in the area for thousands of years. There are indigenous groups in Russia, such as the Nenets, Chucki, and other Sami. They are knowledgeable in ecological and sustainable practices that help maintain the environment.

The indigenous are not only inundated with the region's geopolitical complexities but also face domestic issues. Faced with poverty, housing shortages, and discrimination, even in progressive nations, they engage through co-management boards, land claims, and Arctic Council roles, balancing resource development with cultural preservation.

Among Inuit communities, ecological grief (defined as “experienced or anticipated ecological losses”) and identity loss have been linked to a diminished ability to engage in traditional activities that contribute to food security and culture. Credits: Georgetown Journal

Their advocacy shapes global talks on climate, conservation, and sovereignty, prioritizing long-term stewardship over short-term exploitation.

Conclusion

Arctic geopolitics intertwines climate-driven ice melt, resource extraction, and emerging shipping routes, sparking competition among Arctic and non-Arctic nations while fostering cooperation.

Indigenous groups such as the Sami and Inuit are very valuable in decision-making, as their original inhabitants, they seek to ensure development that is fair and sustainable. Despite its limitations, the Arctic Council promotes teamwork on these issues. However, security concerns, particularly surrounding Russia’s recent actions, have heightened vigilance among other Arctic nations. It is essential to balance all parties' interests to create a lasting future.

People Also Ask

What are some geographical features of the Arctic?

Some geographical features of the region are tundra, mountains, fjords, and coastal places.

What are some of the current Arctic geopolitical issues?

Russia-NATO militarization, Lomonosov Ridge claims, resource races, Arctic Council strains, and shipping route disputes dominate 2025 Arctic geopolitics.

What are five interesting facts about the Arctic?

Over 10% of global fishing is done in the Arctic. It boasts a GDP higher than that of both Vietnam and Egypt. There are hot springs in the Arctic. People have been living in the Arctic for almost 45,000 years. In 2007, Russia planted a flag at the North Pole, at a depth of 4,261m.

What is the biggest threat to the Arctic?

Climate change is the biggest threat to the region.

What is the Arctic geopolitics?

It refers to the strategic competition and international relations in the rapidly changing Arctic region.