Geopolitics of the Arctic: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

This Master’s thesis concentrates on the geopolitics of the Arctic. The principal objectives are to identify the different international actors and their interests in the Arctic, thus revealing the possible issues that shall need to be addressed in the future. In the first parts of the paper, a theoretical framework for briefly explaining the concept of geopolitics is established, the Arctic is defined geographically (and politically) and the main international legal instruments pertaining to the region are explained, in order to set a framework for the scope of the rest of the thesis as well as the international action in the region. Following these sections, the agendas of different international actors are studied, so as to establish their official positions. The final section examines the three major factors concerning the Arctic’s future: natural resources, maritime routes and environmental protection.