
23/04/2023
Countries are Racing for Controlling the Earth's North Pole: Strategic and Economic importance of Arctic Circle ||
Introduction:
The race for control of the Earth's North Pole, also known as the Arctic Circle, has been a growing concern for many world countries in recent years. The Arctic Circle is an area located at the northernmost part of the planet and is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean. The countries that are particularly interested in this region are the United States, Russia, Canada, Denmark, and Iceland. These nations are in competition with one another to assert their control over this important region for several strategic and economic reasons.
The Arctic Circle is a vast area of approximately 14.05 million square km, which is roughly one-sixth of the Earth's surface. This region is rich in natural resources, including oil, natural gas, minerals, and other precious metals. It is estimated that there are approximately 13% of the world's oil and 30% of natural gas reserves in this region. The growing demand for these resources has led to a heightened interest in the Arctic Circle, with countries racing to control these natural resources.
Strategic Importance of North Pole:
Another reason why countries are competing to control the Arctic Circle is due to its strategic importance. The Arctic Circle is a key shipping route between Europe and Asia, and it is becoming increasingly important as the ice in the region melts, making it easier for ships to traverse. This has made the Arctic Circle a crucial route for trade and commerce, which is why countries like Russia and Canada are competing to control this area. Russia, in particular, desperately wants access to the North Pole, since Russia’s geography is so much harsh and complicated that it has a very limited access to viable ship routes. Therefore, Russia is the top player for claiming the rights over parts of the Arctic region.
Furthermore, the Arctic Circle is of great strategic importance to military forces around the world. The area is home to a number of military bases, including airbases, radar sites, and naval ports. These installations provide military forces with a valuable vantage point to monitor the activities of other countries and to defend their own interests.
Stakeholders in the Arctic Circle:
Russia is the top player in the race for gaining control of the North Pole. Russia has adopted a very strict policy to control the Arctic Circle. North Pole is like a lifeline for Russia, as the country is technically landlocked, because most of its northern coastline is frozen throughout the year. Therefore, for trade activities, Russia heavily relies on Black Sea and Baltic Sea, both of which are controlled by NATO countries Turkey and Denmark. Hence, Russia desperately wants its presence in the waters of the Arctic ocean near the north pole to provide an alternative route for its trade and military ships, and thus, avoid any kind of escalation with its strategic rival NATO.
Denmark is also a major player in the race for control of the Arctic Circle, as it controls Greenland, which is located within the arctic circle. The country is keen to assert its control over this region, as Greenland is a major source of minerals and other resources, including rare earth elements. These rare elements are used in the production of high-tech devices.
Iceland, on the other hand, is interested in the Arctic Circle for different reasons. The country is keen to maintain its fishing industry, which is a major source of income for its economy. Iceland is also keen to protect its unique marine environment, which is home to many species of marine life. The Arctic Circle is home to whales, seals, and other sea mammals.
The United States is interested in the Arctic Circle, as it seeks to protect its national security interests. The country is keen to maintain its military presence in the region and to ensure that the Arctic Circle remains a secure and stable region. The United States is also interested in the economic benefits that the Arctic Circle can provide, including access to valuable natural resources, such as oil and natural gas. Currently, the USA is the world’s largest oil producer.
The race for control of the Earth's North Pole, or the Arctic Circle, is a complex issue that involves many different countries and their strategic and economic interests. The region is rich in natural resources, which makes it a valuable area for countries to control. Moreover, it is also a crucial shipping route and has strategic military significance, which makes it an important area for countries to monitor. Therefore, the Arctic Circle is a region of great importance to the world and will continue to be a major area of interest for many years to come.
How will the Arctic Territories be divided?
There are five countries that have made claims to the Arctic Circle: Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Russia, and the United States.
These countries are claiming sovereignty over the Arctic Circle for various reasons, including access to natural resources, shipping routes, and strategic military positioning. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) provides the framework for determining maritime boundaries and the extent of territorial waters for each country. UNCLOS also established the International Seabed Authority (ISA), which manages the exploration and exploitation of the seabed and ocean floor beyond national jurisdiction.
The North Pole itself is located in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, which is covered by ice throughout the year. The continental shelf of the Arctic Ocean is divided among the five Arctic coastal states, based on the geological and geophysical characteristics of the seabed. According to UNCLOS, a coastal state is entitled to a continental shelf extending 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from its shore. However, if the continental shelf extends beyond this distance, a state may claim an extended continental shelf up to a maximum of 350 nautical miles (648 kilometers) from its shore. This territory is known as the Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ) of the country.
The criteria for determining the extent of the continental shelf includes the geological and geophysical features of the seabed, such as the thickness and composition of the sedimentary rocks and the depth of the water. The data used for this assessment comes from extensive mapping and scientific research conducted by the coastal states.
The division of the North Pole territories among the countries claiming the Arctic Circle is not straightforward and is subject to negotiations and agreements between the states involved. The Arctic Council, an intergovernmental forum composed of the five Arctic coastal states and other observer states, provides a platform for cooperation and coordination on issues related to the Arctic. The Council aims to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in the region, while respecting the rights and interests of the Arctic states.
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