Russian State Policy in the Arctic: Ambitions and Challenges (thesis)

Abstract

As a whole, Russian Arctic policy represents the intensification of the Russian government's interest in the Arctic after decades of being unable to dedicate the attention and resources to the region that it might have wanted to. Russian Arctic policy embodies Moscow's desire to take full advantage of what it sees as its natural role as a leading Arctic state. Attempts to maximize the Arctic's potential as an economic base and as a central part of world commerce mirrors historic Russian and Soviet intentions for the Arctic, and feature prominently in "Foundations of State Policy". Russia's Arctic military policy is similarly grounded in historical concerns and priorities, which are based around the central aim of ensuring that the Arctic does not become an exposed flank on Russia's periphery, with special attention paid to the Arctic's role as the host to Russia's SSBN-based second strike capabilities. Russian interest in the Arctic region likely will not diminish in the near- to medium-term future, and therefore American and Western policymakers should consider these policies when developing Arctic strategies of their own. With interest in the Arctic the strongest and most sustained as it has ever been in recent memory and while the region simultaneously undergoes significant environmental shifts as a result of climate change, the application of Russian Arctic policy will shape the future of the whole Arctic region over the next several decades. [From Conclusion]