Climate change and geopolitics in the Arctic Sea

 

Sources:  World Atlas, New York Times

Tensions have been growing in the region for years, as nations stake claims to shipping routes and energy reserves that are opening up as a result of climate change. Now, with the geopolitical order shifting after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the competition over sovereignty and resources in the Arctic could intensify. 

On the West Coast of Alaska, the federal government is investing hundreds of millions of dollars to expand the port at Nome, which could transform into a deepwater hub servicing Coast Guard and Navy vessels navigating into the Arctic Circle. The Coast Guard expects to deploy three new icebreakers — although Russia already has more than 50 in operation.  

The first known use of 'geopolitics' occurred in 1904.  Other coinages from the same year include:

• anti-whaling
• big picture
• elder statesman
• Gloomy Gus
• Potemkin village