From being touted as some sort of remote, inhospitable stretch of ice, the Arctic is increasingly a hotbed of rivalry in geopolitics.As continuous changes in the climate make parts of the region previously inaccessible open, countries rush to make their claims on assets of strategic shipping lanes and valuable resources.While the broad geopolitics struggle leads in Russia and China, showing increasing cooperation between them stirs the pot for stability and security concerns in the region.

Russia’s Ambitions and Challenges in the Arctic

For a long time, the Arctic had emerged as a land of strategic military significance to Russia.It occupies an important role in its military endeavors and economic interests. In reaction to situations after the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia massively expanded its presence in the Arctic with additions of new airbases, deployment of ground troops, and increased naval capabilities.