Currently, the Arctic is one of the strategically significant regions, where numerous projects are being rapidly implemented in various fields such as industrial production, social support, transportation, investments, and the development of Arctic resources. To achieve high-quality results in these areas, it is crucial to establish a new model of international cooperation. The window of opportunity in this field is primarily opening thanks to the formation of various platforms and events aimed at fostering connections and strengthening cooperation on Arctic zone issues. One such platform is the repeatedly held International Arctic Forum in Russia, which positions itself as an event bringing together international political and economic circles interested in unlocking the potential of the Arctic.
The sixth Arctic Forum, titled “Arctic – A Territory for Dialogue,” will soon take place in the Russian city of Murmansk, from March 26 to 27. The forum will cover four main topics: “The Arctic and the Northern Sea Route: How to Compete in the Global Maritime Route Race,” “The Arctic and the Northern Sea Route: A Magnet for Investments,” “The Arctic and the Northern Sea Route: Development of Key Settlements,” and “International Cooperation and Ecology.” Such issues encourage the activation of international cooperation based on shared interests and a comprehensive approach to developing the Arctic zone. Foreign participants will likely be interested in gaining simplified access to the Northern Sea Route, building a vast regional infrastructure, monitoring permafrost conditions, maintaining ecological balance, and, of course, resource extraction.
The forum is expected to attract a huge number of participants not only from Russia but also from other countries. It offers unique conditions for dialogue and partnership development among representatives of business, government, and public organizations from around the world. For example, the previous International Arctic Forum, held in 2019 in St. Petersburg, brought together over 3,600 representatives of Russian and international political, scientific, and business circles, media, and the public from 52 countries. It is expected that by 2025, the number of participants will exceed 1,000, including political and business figures from countries such as India, China, Japan, Greenland, Iceland, Germany, Australia, Finland, Iran, Spain, and others. This signals potential agreements between states, which undoubtedly contributes to a positive outlook for the development of the Arctic zone. For example, the exploration of the Arctic’s hydrocarbon potential is one of the possible cooperation vectors between the US and Russia, covering not only resource extraction but also the development of the Northern Sea Route and the creation of a Northern Air Bridge.
Notably, in 2012, negotiations took place between the countries, resulting in agreements between Russian company Rosneft and American companies ExxonMobil and General Electric. However, by 2014, Russian-American relations faced challenges, and the collaboration was frozen, with ExxonMobil leaving the project.
It is also important to note that despite geopolitical tensions between Russia and the other Arctic Council members, the Arctic issue currently encourages finding common ground and overcoming confrontation. Russia has repeatedly emphasized the collective responsibility of the international community for the region and the need to act together in addressing crucial issues, particularly environmental and climate-related challenges facing the global population.
The Arctic issue also touches on Russia’s partnership prospects with Asian countries regarding the development and use of the Arctic. For example, for the Republic of Korea, the Northern Sea Route holds significant commercial potential as it is the shortest route connecting Asia and Europe. As for China, back in 2018, it published a plan for a “Polar Silk Road,” which outlines wide access to the Arctic’s natural resources. Moreover, China has called itself a “near-Arctic state,” even though the distance between the country and the Arctic Circle is about 1,400 km. According to the South China Morning Post, in 2025, China expressed its intention to revise its Arctic presence policy, including a desire to become a major polar power by 2030 due to a possible cooperation agreement between Russia and the US. Thus, the question of partnership preferences is gradually emerging: would it be more advantageous for Russia to collaborate with the US, which has shifted its course, or with its long-standing Asian partner? A third option is also possible, maintaining a balance by partnering with both states simultaneously.
At present, Russia is demonstrating openness to cooperation with international partners on the crucial issue of Arctic region development. The Arctic is precisely the territory where international cooperation is essential for achieving maximum effectiveness in implementing projects. Consolidating efforts and partnerships within the international community in the Arctic sphere is key to the economic growth of the countries that will succeed in executing projects in the Arctic zone.
