Russia's Arctic Strategies and the Future of the Far North

This book offers the first comprehensive examination of Russia's Arctic strategy ranging from climate change issues and territorial disputes to energy policy and domestic challenges. As the receding polar ice increases the accessibility of the Arctic region rival powers have been manoeuvering for geopolitical and resource security. Geographically Russia controls half of the Arctic coastline 40 percent of the land area beyond the Circumpolar North and three quarters of the Arctic population. In total the sea and land surface area of the Russian Arctic is about 6 million square kilometres. . Economically as much as 20 percent of Russia's GDP and its total exports is generated north of the Arctic Circle. In terms of resources about 95 percent of its gas 75 percent of its oil 96 percent of its platinum 90 percent of its nickel and cobalt and 60 percent of its copper reserves are found in Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions. Add to this the riches of the continental shelf seabed and waters ranging from rare earth minerals to fish stocks. After a spike of aggressive rhetoric when Russia planted its flag in the Arctic seabed in 2007 Moscow has attempted to strengthen its position as a key factor in developing an international consensus concerning a region where its relative advantages are manifest despite its diminishing military technological and human capacities.