Northern Sea Route: Economic and Political Significance for Russia
Northern Sea Route: Economic and Political Significance for Russia

Author(s): Bartosz Bieliszczuk
Subject(s): Governance, International relations/trade, Geopolitics, Transport / Logistics
Published by: PISM Polski Instytut Spraw Międzynarodowych
Keywords: Russian Federation; Arctic; Northern Sea route; natural resources; maritime transport; nuclear icebreakers;
Summary/Abstract: The Arctic’s growing significance for Russia stems not only from the extraction and potential of the natural resources in the region but also the country’s strategic goal of taking advantage of rising maritime transport via the Northern Sea Route (NSR). To benefit from the region, Russia is developing its fleet of nuclear icebreakers and has leveraged Chinese investments in the region. Cooperation in the region seems to be advantageous for Russia to achieve its goals, but the growing dependence of Europe on transport via the NSR may help Russia achieve political goals as well.

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