Energy Factor in the Arctic Geopolitics: Curse or Opportunity?

Nong Hong Dr., China Institute, University of Alberta

Abstract

The Arctic has recently witnessed a manifold growth in its geo-strategic importance due to the huge deposit of oil and natural gas, and the potential contribution of northern sea routes for global shipping. As a result of this, northern regions and seas have become a target area for the growing economic, political and military interests of the Arctic states as well as of major powers outside the region and trans-national companies, such as states activities of ensuring energy security that are an important element in their foreign policy, and countries’ efforts to assure access to natural resources which affect security dynamics.

While it is important to look at the Arctic issue from a law of the sea perspective, with the Arctic states resorting to the Commission of Limits of Continental Shelf (CLCS) for advice on the outer limit of continental shelf, and major powers, transnational corporation seeking for chances to develop in the common heritage of mankind in the “area” beyond national jurisdiction; political, economic and technological concern also challenge the oil companies in further investment in energy development in the Arctic. By the same token, however, joint management of resource is another option that might come into play as countries involved in a dispute might see more advantage in approaching the disagreement this way rather than losing a claim in a zero-sum game. Examples of cooperation already existed. Future regional governance in energy security in the Arctic could serve to break the dilemma of the Arctic disputes, with regard to national sovereignty, and unsolved maritime border. Energy factor, rather than a curse for the Arctic dispute, could serve as an opportunity for regional cooperation in the Arctic, thus preventing the further escalation in this region.