Andrew Tietz
Canada
2/22/15
Militarization of the Arctic
Overview
The Arctic is arguably the world’s most geographically dynamic region. As Peter
Wadhams, a respected professor of ocean physics at Cambridge, detailed to the Arctic Circle
Assembly, the Arctic Sea is predicted to be ice-free by 2020. Unfortunate as it may be, there are
silver linings to be found. With the ice cover shrinking, more of the USGS-estimated 22% of the
world’s oil and natural gas reserves are becoming accessible. New trade routes, specifically
between Europe and Asia, are forming. In addition to avoiding potential piracy in the Red Sea
and around Indonesia and Malaysia, this new path can be 40% faster. As Canadian Prime
Minister Stephen Harper himself said, “We recognize that the Arctic is growing more accessible
to international shipping. The various circumpolar countries are pressing claims that may conflict
with our own. The global demand for northern resources is growing”However, interest in the
Arctic is not solely economic. This region has played host to several international disputes,
many involving militarization. Concerns have been raised by The Russian Federation’s actions,
such as constructing military bases on Cape Schmidt and Wrangel Island. It is important to note
Wrangel Island’s protected status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Russian Yasen-class
nuclear submarines have recently been added to the country’s Northern Fleet.
Position of Canada
The Canadian Government has been clear in its intent to maintain Arctic sovereignty. It
also maintains desire to address issues and resolve conflicts through the Arctic Council to
ensure stability in the region. The Russian Federation’s actions, described as aggressive and
expansionist by some, cannot go unaddressed. One action in particular, the construction of a
military base on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not acceptable. Destabilization of the
region is inevitable if such actions are tolerated. In a different matter, the Canadian Government
is strongly against the addition of new members to the Arctic Council that have no territory in
the Arctic, such as China. Nations with no geographic connection to the Arctic Circle should not
be on a council entirely devoted to the Arctic.
Proposals
1) A clear message needs to be sent to The Russian Federation as well as any other
nation that would commit such transgressions mentioned above that that type of conduct
will not be condoned. This message needs to be sent, perhaps through economic
sanctions or a condemnation that cannot be brushed aside as easily as condemnations
have in the past. Canada fully believes in the Arctic Council and United Nation’s ability to
keep the peace and perpetuate stability in the region.
2) In the interest of both preserving the culture of those native to the Arctic as well as
preventing Arctic sea routes from being used to traffic arms, drugs, and possibly even
humans, Canada proposes inspection and tracking of vessels sailing through the Arctic
Ocean. Navies from nations within the Arctic Council could construct checkpoints,
specifically on the Bering Strait, to discourage trafficking through the new routes.
Satellite surveillance could be implemented to follow these vessels and be certain they
do not encroach on native populations.