Norra polcirkelns uppvärmning och ännu varmare maktkapplöpning

Sammanfattning: Today the climate in the arctic regions are changing at a rapid rate, faster than any speed previously recorded in human history but how is it impacting the geopolitical situation in these regions? New territory is being created by the ice melting and new natural resources are being found, how can this impact the current situation? This study looks at and discusses the current geopolitical situation in the Arctic using two theories from international relations, realism and liberalism and how the situation can develop using these theories. From a realist standpoint it is a balance of power held in check primarily by nuclear weapons. The liberal standpoint is focused on trade between NATO members and that Russia, to western dismay, has isolated itself from the west. However, the resource impact is the same, everyone in the region will extract resources in their territory but expansion by force is too costly. The presence of nuclear weapons will keep the balance of power going. Breaking it is too costly for realists. For liberals Russia’s disrespect for international agreements and expansionist ideals will be a thorn in the side of the west while trade between liberal countries and supporting anti-Russian movements continues.