Geopolitically, there are five or seven countries that are interested in delimitating their Arctic borders. All of these states lie in the Arctic zone. But there is also a club of countries, in particular China, Korea and Japan, which challenge the priority rights of the Arctic states and want to participate in divvying up Arctic resources.
What comes to mind when we talk about the Arctic? A deserted region known for the jokes it inspired, or the Periodic Table, or the opportunity to get rich quick from oil drilling? The Northern Sea Route is becoming navigable year round and the local population is gearing up. The climate factor and the state of glaciers are not what they used to be. Warming is upon us and it is inevitable. And the geometry of the Arctic tells us that progress in its Russian zone will be quick.
The Northern Sea Route is all about the future. From this perspective, weather conditions are becoming another important factor. Economic organizations in different countries are developing investment programs. China’s intense interest should also be taken into account. Russian-US discussions on the Arctic have considered the possibility of using Chinese icebreakers as Beijing’s financial contribution to the project.
Geopolitically, there are five or seven countries that are interested in delimitating their Arctic borders. All of these states lie in the Arctic zone. But there is also a club of countries, in particular China, Korea and Japan, which challenge the priority rights of the Arctic states and want to participate in divvying up Arctic resources.
Regarding the border issue, it is mostly inflamed by politicians. Certain scientists also contribute with their ill-considered actions. I believe that a balanced solution must be based on international law and consensus among the Arctic states. As is known, Russia bungled the claim [for Arctic shelf] it submitted to the UN. From its perspective, a fair solution would be to expand the Russian sovereign zone. However, the rules are well known. There is a UN commission that works closely on the issue. It includes Russian representatives, among others. Our delegate to the commission was replaced. The new one is Ivan Glumov. He is a well-known Arctic researcher, a prominent geologist, a former deputy minister of natural resources and a leading expert on marine geology. Professor Kazmin, whom he replaced in this position, is also an international authority. Russia’s position in this commission is quite strong. It is one of the leaders and wields considerable weight in the decision-making process.
All we need is to present conclusive evidence about the origin of the coastal polar zone. If, however, it turns out that the ocean developed without any genetic connection with Russia, it would be evidence to the contrary. This is why the Federal Agency for Mineral Resources is currently conducting research. The work began under Federal Agency for Mineral Resources former head Anatoly Ledovskikh. Mostly gravimetric and core extraction studies were conducted. Now we have proceeded to the drilling stage. This work is financed by the Russian budget.
Regarding the creation of a database, our natural ally is Canada. Russia has some disagreements with Norway. This involves the well-studied western Arctic. Evidence will not be a problem. The main role here is being played by the Academy of Sciences led by Academy Member Nikolai Laverov, who has brought together a large team of highly competent specialists in the field. I think that Russia will submit a new claim in 2016. Everyone believes it will be a success at the expert level and subsequently at the political level. However, now is the time for bilateral political efforts.
The recent Arctic Council meeting in Greenland marked a new stage in addressing Arctic problems. As Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, “Russia will continue the line on fully supporting the Council and further strengthening cooperation and trust among the Arctic states. That is what the Nuuk Declaration orients us to, the consistent realization of which will help to strengthen the foundation of prosperity in the Arctic region”. A club of Arctic countries has emerged whose interests should prevail over the individual, i.e. egotistical, interests of certain states. It seems to me that differentiating between Arctic and non-Arctic countries is quite natural.
