Russia sees its Arctic interests threatened
Russia does not intend to retreat when it comes to its Arctic ambitions, as Russian President Dimitri Medvedev made clear last week. Moreover, the region is witnessing the development of a small arms race.
During a meeting of Russia's Security Council, President Medvedev stated that there were attempts to curtail Russia's rights to explore and develop the Arctic's natural resources, which Medvedev considers as unacceptable from a legal, geographical and historical point of view. In order to facilitate the exploration of natural resources in the Arctic, President Medvedev, ordered the Russian government to consider the establishment of a new satellite system called 'Arctica'. At present, Russia relies on data from foreign satellite systems.
According to Marcel de Haas, senior research fellow at the Dutch Clingendael Institute for International Relations and an expert on Russia's Foreign Security Policy, the region is witnessing a small arms race among the Arctic states, including Russia which has intensified its air and naval patrols in the region. The main issue at stake is future control over the hydrocarbon reserves in the Arctic. Since all the other Arctic states - the US, Canada, Denmark and Norway - are NATO members, Russia regards their activities as an encroachment by NATO into the Arctic.
As to secure its interests in the Arctic region the Russian President approved the Arctic Strategy in 2008, Mr. de Haas tells EEO. The Arctic Strategy, published in March 2009, recognises the Arctic Zone as a strategic resource base containing significant hydrocarbon resources and other natural resources, which therefore must be explored. In addition, Russia regards the Northern Sea Route as its exclusive transport route. To achieve these aims the Arctic Strategy foresees the protection of Russia's national borders in the Arctic Zone and therefore plans the creation of a special dedicated Arctic group of forces, according to de Haas. Eventually, in 2020 the RF Arctic Zone should become an important resource base for Russia, allowing Russia to preserve its role as the leading Arctic power.
In 2001, Russia applied to the UN to recognise the underwater Lomonossov ridge as part of its continental shelf, but the claim was rejected by the US, Canada and Denmark. If the claim was recognised, it would substantially expand Russia's exclusive zone for offshore oil and gas production. It is estimated that the Arctic contains around 25%-30% of the world's unexplored oil and gas reserves. Due to global warming, the Artic's natural resources are becoming more easily accessible.
EEO Focus: Although a military conflict in the Arctic seems highly unlikely, there are several sources of tension between the Arctic states: Conflicting territorial claims, mainly motivated by the aim to control potential hydrocarbon reserves, but also new trade routes through the Arctic, might lead to confrontations in the medium term if demand for hydrocarbons increases and their extraction in the Arctic becomes more cost effective.
