Summary
The UK is in discussions with NATO allies to develop a coordinated strategy for the Arctic region, prompted by increasing activity from Russia and China. Concerns include Russia's military presence and resource exploitation, as well as China's growing interest in Arctic shipping routes and resource access. The discussions aim to enhance NATO's capabilities in the Arctic, including surveillance, maritime security, and infrastructure development, to safeguard strategic interests and address potential security challenges in the region. This collaboration underscores the importance of maintaining stability and protecting the Arctic's resources and environment amid geopolitical shifts.
Full Analysis
The UK is in discussions with NATO allies to develop a coordinated strategy for the Arctic region, prompted by increasing activity from Russia and China. Concerns include Russia's military presence and resource exploitation, as well as China's growing interest in Arctic shipping routes and resource access. The discussions aim to enhance NATO's capabilities in the Arctic, including surveillance, maritime security, and infrastructure development, to safeguard strategic interests and address potential security challenges in the region. This collaboration underscores the importance of maintaining stability and protecting the Arctic's resources and environment amid geopolitical shifts.
Background Context
The Arctic's strategic importance dates back to the Cold War, when it served as a crucial area for ballistic missile submarines and early warning systems. The region's proximity to both the Soviet Union and North America made it a potential battleground. The end of the Cold War led to a period of relative calm, but the melting ice caps, driven by climate change, have opened up new shipping routes and access to untapped natural resources, reigniting geopolitical interest. The Arctic Council, formed in 1996, was initially intended to foster cooperation among Arctic states on environmental protection and sustainable development. However, it has increasingly become a forum for discussing security concerns as well, particularly with the growing presence of non-Arctic states like China.
Current Developments
Recent years have seen a significant increase in military exercises and infrastructure development in the Arctic, particularly by Russia. Russia has been modernizing its Northern Fleet and reopening Soviet-era military bases. China, while not an Arctic state, has declared itself a 'near-Arctic state' and has been investing heavily in infrastructure projects, including ports and railways, that could facilitate access to Arctic resources and shipping routes. The US has also been increasing its military presence in the region, conducting joint exercises with allies and investing in new icebreakers. The Arctic Council's work has been hampered by geopolitical tensions, particularly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, leading to calls for a more robust security framework in the region.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Arctic Council:
1. It is an intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation among Arctic States on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection.
2. Decisions made by the Arctic Council are legally binding on member states.
3. China is a permanent member of the Arctic Council.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. The Arctic Council promotes cooperation on sustainable development and environmental protection. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Council's decisions are not legally binding. Statement 3 is incorrect as China is an observer, not a permanent member.
Question 2
Which of the following statements best describes China's strategic interest in the Arctic region?
- Primarily focused on establishing military bases for power projection.
- Largely centered on scientific research with no economic or strategic implications.
- Driven by access to potential shipping routes and natural resources, declaring itself a 'near-Arctic state'.
- Solely aimed at environmental conservation efforts in collaboration with Arctic states.
Explanation: China's interest is driven by access to shipping routes and resources, leading it to declare itself a 'near-Arctic state'. While it engages in scientific research, this is not its sole or primary interest.
Question 3
Assertion (A): The melting of Arctic ice has significant implications for global trade routes.
Reason (R): The Northern Sea Route offers a shorter shipping distance between Europe and Asia compared to the Suez Canal.
In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?
- Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- A is true, but R is false.
- A is false, but R is true.
Explanation: Both the assertion and reason are true, and the shorter shipping distance offered by the Northern Sea Route (made possible by melting ice) is a direct implication of the melting Arctic ice.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2022 2022
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Arctic Council?
1. It is an intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination and interaction among the Arctic States, Arctic indigenous communities and other Arctic inhabitants.
2. India is a permanent observer in the Arctic Council.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: The Arctic Council is indeed an intergovernmental forum. India is a permanent observer in the Arctic Council.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2023 2023
Discuss the geopolitical significance of the Arctic region in the context of increasing Russian and Chinese activities. How should India respond to these developments?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
Which country is NOT a member of the Arctic Council?
- (a) Canada
- (b) Russia
- (c) China
- (d) Denmark
Explanation: China is not a member of the Arctic Council; it is an observer state. The members are Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
The UK is discussing Arctic strategy with which organization?
- (a) United Nations
- (b) European Union
- (c) NATO
- (d) ASEAN
Explanation: The provided text states that the UK is in discussions with NATO allies to develop a coordinated strategy for the Arctic region.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
Which of the following is a key concern driving NATO's focus on the Arctic region?
- (a) Decreasing fish stocks
- (b) Increasing tourism
- (c) Russia's military presence and resource exploitation
- (d) Lack of scientific research
Explanation: The provided text highlights Russia's military presence and resource exploitation as key concerns driving NATO's focus on the Arctic.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
What is a primary area of focus for enhancing NATO's capabilities in the Arctic, according to the provided text?
- (a) Agricultural development
- (b) Surveillance and maritime security
- (c) Cultural exchange programs
- (d) Space exploration
Explanation: The text mentions that the discussions aim to enhance NATO's capabilities in the Arctic, including surveillance and maritime security.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
Which of the following countries is showing increased activity in the Arctic region, raising concerns for NATO?
- (a) Brazil
- (b) India
- (c) South Africa
- (d) China
Explanation: The text mentions increasing activity from both Russia and China in the Arctic region, prompting concerns from the UK and NATO.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
What is the primary reason for China's growing interest in the Arctic region?
- (a) Promoting cultural exchange
- (b) Conducting scientific research only
- (c) Accessing Arctic shipping routes and resources
- (d) Establishing military bases
Explanation: The summary indicates that China's growing interest in Arctic shipping routes and resource access is a key concern.