Back to OurEnergyLibrary search




The New Ice Curtain: Russia’s Strategic Reach to the Arctic

The New Ice Curtain: Russia’s Strategic Reach to the Arctic

Full Title: The New Ice Curtain: Russia's Strategic Reach to the Arctic
Author(s): Heather Conley and Caroline Rohloff
Publisher(s): Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
Publication Date: August 1, 2015
Full Text: Download Resource
Description (excerpt):

The New Ice Curtain explores Russia’s strategic ambitions for its Arctic region—an understudied and underappreciated area that encompasses nearly the entire northern coast of Eurasia. As the Russian Arctic produces 20 percent of Russian GDP, 22 percent of its exports, and is home to nearly 2 million of its citizens, Russia’s economic future will increasingly depend on robust Arctic development.

For Russian president Vladimir Putin, the political, economic, and military stakes could not be higher as increased geopolitical tensions over Ukraine and the imposition of Western economic sanctions may challenge Russia’s Arctic ambitions. This timely report examines Russia’s economic development strategies and assesses the Arctic nation’s military modernization efforts as it seeks to ensure the economic viability of its natural and mineral resources, as well as the Northern Sea Route. The report frames these issues and evaluates their potential impact on Russia’s future, as well as the future of bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the Arctic. Finally, this report identifies possible areas to preserve and protect Arctic cooperation in an increasingly tenuous Arctic ecosystem and international environment.

All statements and/or propositions in discussion prompts are meant exclusively to stimulate discussion and do not represent the views of OurEnergyPolicy.org, its Partners, Topic Directors or Experts, nor of any individual or organization. Comments by and opinions of Expert participants are their own.

Sign up for our Press Release Distribution List

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Please sign me up to receive press releases from OurEnergyPolicy.org.