Sustainability, Maritime Security, and Great Power Dynamics in the Arctic

This chapter delves into the interplay between the push for environmental sustainability and the geopolitical interactions which centre on security, especially between great powers, that characterises the politics of the Arctic region. This is set against the backdrop of a changing landscape brought about by climate change which reveals a new domain of competition. The chapter charts the history of both contestation and cooperation within the region, shedding light on the indispensable role of civil society groups and non-state actors, by emphasising their role in shaping Arctic politics. By examining the triad of contemporary security, political, and economic issues, this chapter offers a thorough examination of the current state of Arctic politics within the context of the maritime security-sustainability nexus that this volume explores. The chapter concludes by forecasting future prospects for Arctic security, drawing from past trends and present dynamics, and emphasises the way in which climate change is bringing traditional security concerns back to the forefront of the region’s geopolitics.