29 Jun The Arctic on Ice: How have New Shipping Routes Shaped the U.S-China Rivalry as well as Russia’s Strategic Ambitions?

Kalina Stefanova

School of Politics, Economics and Global Affairs, IE University, Segovia, Spain.

Dual Degree in Economics and International Relations.

E-mail: kstefanova.ieu2023@student.ie.edu.

Abstract

Since the early 2010s, the Arctic is increasingly becoming a key area for geopolitical competition due to the effects of climate change on maritime accessibility and resource availability. This paper examines the role of Arctic shipping routes in global power competition, especially the deepening U.S.-China rivalry and Russia’s strategic ambitions. While Russia is asserting its military and commercial control over the Northern Sea Route, countering Western sanctions and enhancing its energy cooperation with China, the United States has solidified its Arctic presence in efforts to oppose China and Russia by expanding its naval force and engaging in strategic partnerships. Through a comprehensive analysis of the interplay between strategic interests, economic opportunities, and the environment in the Arctic, this paper aims to analyse the implications of these developments for global security and maritime governance, highlighting the Arctic’s increasingly important role as an arena of great power competition. The paper concludes with policy considerations for promoting Arctic stability, including multilateral cooperation, sustainable development, and enhanced security.

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Keywords: Arctic Geopolitics, Shipping Routes, U.S.-China Relations, Russia Foreign Policy, Maritime Strategy