On January 18, the Valdai Club hosted an expert discussion on the results of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council in 2021–2023.
The conclusion of Russia’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council (AC) provides us with an excellent opportunity to discuss how national policy is developing in this region in the context of acute confrontation between Russia and the West. The issue was lent additional importance by the ongoing intensification of trade and economic ties with the largest Asian economies.
In recent years, Russia has made serious efforts to strengthen its economic position in the Arctic and to create new transport and logistics systems. The Arctic region has acquired fundamental importance for the internal connectivity of the Russian economy and strengthened its export potential.
On March 3, 2022, soon after the start of Russia’s special operation in Ukraine, seven member countries of the Arctic Council announced the suspension of their participation in all official events. As a result, Russia focused on the intranational goals of its chairmanship and the development of the Russian regions of the Far North.
What has been achieved during the Russian chairmanship of the Arctic Council? What can Russia do to further develop the Arctic? What will be the role of the Far North regions in the national development strategy? How will NATO expansion affect the activities of the Arctic Council? What are the prospects for Russia's participation in the AC and the creation of an alternative organisation with the participation of Asian states? Participants in the discussion will try to answer these and other questions.
Speakers:
Glenn Diesen, Professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway
Anastasia Likhacheva, Dean of the Faculty of World Economy and International Politics, Higher School of Economics
Vladimir Panov, Special Representative of the Rosatom State Corporation on Arctic Development Issues
Moderator:
Timofei Bordachev, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club.
Working languages: Russian, English.