Russia and the North

By Elana Wilson Rowe

Russia holds more Arctic territory than any other state, yet unlike other Arctic states it does not have a unified strategy identifying economic and political aims for the North. Russia's policies on the North are dispersed across a variety of fields from domestic migration politics to oil and gas development. This volume engages the disparate elements of Russian northern policy and illustrates how the centralized, relatively economically strong and politically assertive Russia of today defines and addresses northern spaces, opportunities, and challenges. As energy markets continue looking northward and climate change renders the Arctic increasingly accessible, the geopolitical interests of Arctic states will be brought more frequently to the forefront. These circumstances will make the disputed borders and overlapping sovereignty claims of the North an important topic in international politics. Given its geographic size and political influence, Russia is and will continue to be a key regional and global actor in the international politics of the North.

• Language: English
• Publisher: University of Ottawa Press
• Release date: Jul 1, 2010
• ISBN: 9780776618029

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Reviews for Russia and the North

[uottawapress-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The geopolitical interests of Arctic states are a hot topic as climate change and a growing demand for energy cause greater concern over disputed borders and overlapping sovereignty claims in the North. Russia plays a central role in the international politics of the North, being the largest Arctic state geographically and an important player in the regional and global energy marketplace.Russia and the North examines how Russia defines and addresses northern spaces, opportunities and challenges within its own borders and internationally. Chapters in the volume analyze the politics of circumpolar cooperation, security, fisheries, energy, climate change, population/migration and indigenous peoples.