1. The Arctic policies of Canada and the United States: domestic motives and international context
- Author:
- Kristofer Bergh
- Publication Date:
- 07-2012
- Content Type:
- Working Paper
- Institution:
- Stockholm International Peace Research Institute
- Abstract:
- The Arctic ice is melting. If current trends continue, there will be dramatic changes in the region, with far-reaching implications. At the same time, the receding ice opens the region to economic development, including through the exploitation of previously inaccessible hydrocarbons and minerals. In September 2011, both the Northern Sea Route (along Russia's north coast, formerly known as the Northeast Passage) and the Northwest Passage (along the northern coasts of Alaska and Canada) were open for some time, potentially creating shorter shipping routes between Asia, Europe and North America. Increased human activity in the sparsely populated and in hospitable Arctic requires new initiatives to achieve safety and security for the region's environment and its inhabitants and visitors.
- Topic:
- Foreign Policy, Climate Change, Diplomacy, Political Economy, and Bilateral Relations
- Political Geography:
- Russia, Europe, Canada, Asia, and North America