Arctic policy in an era of global instability: Experience and lessons for Russia

Abstract

The results of studies of the formation of Arctic policies and Arctic strategies of different countries under the conditions of globalization and climate change, as well as geopolitical and economic trends, are presented. The positions of the Arctic countries are shown on the basis of the analysis of a composite index, which characterizes their resources, infrastructure, and socio-economic development. Resource and innovative aspects of the development of the Arctic territories, their risks and uncertainties, new drivers for Arctic socio-economic development (climate change, globalization, and increasing economic activity in the Arctic) are considered. Problems of sovereignty and national security of the Arctic Basin, as well as the possibility of reducing the risks of uncertainty and of the instability of the circumpolar territories on the basis of international cooperation (a case study of the activity of the Arctic Council) are analyzed. Particular emphasis is placed on the economic aspects of development of the Russian North and the Arctic in the context of global instability, risks, and threats; the main requirements for a new Russian Arctic policy are formulated. These are multidimensionality, integration, environmental friendliness, use of the principles of public-private partnerships, and the social responsibility of business. The outlines of promising North-Arctic development as part of the modernization of Russia’s economic space are shown.