Arctic Security in International Security

Abstract

Peace and war in the Arctic security is driven by international systemic forces of great power conflict. Since the Seven Years’ War (1756-1763) the geostrategic role of and thinking about the North Atlantic Arctic has been stable. The Napoleonic Wars, Crimean War, World War I and II and the Cold War affected the Arctic for geostrategic reasons. Current and future Arctic security reflects the postCold War international system, a resurgent Russia and the rise of China. The Arctic is not exceptional, and Arctic conflict based on competition for natural resources made accessible by climate change is unlikely.