Melting Ice and Strategic Passages: Analyzing the Security Implications in the Arctic

Abstract

This paper looks at the new relevance of Arctic sea routes, especially, the Northwest Passage and the Northern Sea Route as the global warming shrinks sea ice. It examines the economic, geopolitical and environmental issues of reduced shipping distances, expansion
of access and territorial claims, and the environmental issues of maritime activity. The paper has tried to bring to light the urgent equilibrium that must be maintained between economic growth, environmental conservation, and global collaboration to achieve a
sustainable and non-violent utilization of the resources and transit routes in the Arctic. Policy suggestions that can be used to improve security in the arctic region are also presented in the paper.