Arctic Geopolitics: Cooperation or Confrontation?

The article 'Confrontation in the Arctic is not inevitable, argues Kieran Mulvaney' discusses the geopolitical tensions in the Arctic region. Kieran Mulvaney argues that the major players involved do not necessarily have to view each other's actions as threats, suggesting that confrontation is not inevitable. The article is part of a series marking the centenary of the Svalbard Treaty coming into force on August 14th, 1925. Other contributors to this series include John Bolton and Mikhail Komin, who present differing views on the region's future. Mulvaney's argument contrasts with those who see the Arctic as a potential front for conflict, emphasizing the possibility of cooperation among nations.

The article by Mikhail Komin discusses why the Arctic is becoming a significant focus for Putin's Russia, driven by the Kremlin's insecurities. It is part of a series marking the centenary of the Svalbard Treaty. Komin's analysis is complemented by other guest essays from John Bolton and Kieran Mulvaney, offering diverse perspectives on Arctic geopolitics and the implications of great power rivalry in the region.

John Bolton argues that the far north, particularly the Arctic region, has become NATO's vulnerable area due to increasing Chinese and Russian activities. He makes the case for keeping Chinese influence out and limiting Russian power in the region. The article is part of a series marking the centenary of the Svalbard Treaty and discusses the geopolitical implications of rising tensions in the Arctic.