After the Ice: An Outlook on Arctic Cooperation

摘要

The purpose of this thesis is to explore the possibility of cooperation in the Arctic under the changing circumstances of the melting Arctic ice. These changing conditions are making possible to exploitation of previously dormant resources, faster shipping between Europe and East Asia as well as increased tourism. Due to the uncertainty over the sea borders between the Arctic nations, it is important to look at the possibility of resolving these issues without sparking a conflict. This thesis wishes to explore the role of Russia in the Arctic due to the perception of Russia as a potentially destabilizing factor in the Arctic region. It will do so using theories of international relations in explaining how Russia has more to gain from cooperation than competition. After conducting research, it becomes evident that Russia, despite dubious behavior, usually follow international law and international institutions when it comes to Arctic affairs. We also find that Russia has too much to lose on a conflict in the Arctic. At last, the conflict in Ukraine has been analyzed, highlighting differences between Ukraine and Arctic to explain why Russia does not necessarily want to go to war in the Arctic. These factors explain that the possibility of conflict in the Arctic is rather low.