The strategic importance of the Arctic in maritime geopolitics

Abstract

As a consequence of the polar melting suffered in recent years due to global warming, the Arctic sea route has gained importance over the more traditional routes, including the passage through the Straits of Malacca and Suez. According to the studies carried out by Nature Climate Change (2020), by 2035 it is expected that the so-called Northern route may be fully available for the transport of goods, due to the increase in temperatures and the disappearance of important polar ice caps. This article aims to describe the geopolitical relevance of the Arctic region for the coastal states: Canada, Denmark, the United States, Norway and Russia, as well as the claims over it in the coming years not only by the the Arctic’s Five but also by such other powers as China, which –while it is not a coastal country– has clear objectives regarding the area. Through documentary research on the priorities of these States, the strategic programs on the region and using the theory of structural realism as a framework of analysis, it is reported how the coastal countries of the North Pole have established actions from different spheres to achieve their objectives based on their capabilities within the international structure.