The Northern Sea Route in Russian political and economic concepts and political realms in 2010–2025

Beschreibung

The Northern Sea Route in Russian political and economic concepts and political realms in 2010–2025 offers an in-depth analysis of one of the most important geopolitical projects of contemporary Russia – the development and control of the Northern Sea Route. The authors demonstrate how the Arctic shipping lane running along Russia’s northern coast has become a key element of the country’s state strategy, linking economic, energy, transport, and military interests.

The publication explains why climate change, the melting of Arctic ice, and the growing importance of the region’s natural resources have made the Northern Sea Route a strategic priority for Moscow. In Russian strategic thinking, the route is expected to become a major maritime corridor connecting Europe and Asia and a crucial channel for exporting energy resources from the Russian Arctic. The authors analyze the legal, political, and organizational mechanisms through which Russia seeks to consolidate control over the route, as well as the development of shipping infrastructure, the expansion of the icebreaker fleet, and the creation of safety and rescue systems. The book also places the Northern Sea Route within the broader context of international competition in the Arctic, including the increasing involvement of the United States and China, and discusses the consequences of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine for the functioning and future of the route.

This publication is essential reading for scholars of geopolitics, international security, and energy policy, as well as for anyone interested in the growing importance of the Arctic in global power competition.