Current Challenges of Security in the Arctic: Cooperation vs. Competition

With the beginning of the Ukrainian war, discussion about the possible spill over of the conflict to the Arctic has started. Since the end of Cold War, there has been many attempts to engage Moscow in the Arctic affairs and to develop long-term cooperation in different areas. The cooperation has been successful until Russia violated the international law and illegally occupied Crimea. Since then, many Arctic states halt different levels of cooperation with Russia. It will definitely have negative impact on the Russian status in the Arctic, as the cooperation is among highest priorities of all countries. Russian military activities in the Far North has significantly increased in recent years. Russian aggressive behaviour in its neighbourhood together with military plans in the Arctic concern all Arctic states. The aim of my presentation is to discuss the above mentioned challenging issues for the security and future development of the Arctic.