The Geopolitics of the Arctic: Why Melting Ice Creates New Conflicts

Arctic ice melting is opening new shipping routes (Northern Sea Route 40% shorter than Suez) and exposing vast mineral resources (13% of undiscovered oil, 30% of undiscovered gas). Russia claims largest Arctic territory. China calling itself a 'near-Arctic state.' NATO increasing Arctic military presence. Indigenous communities facing existential threat to their way of life. The Arctic is the newest geopolitical frontier where climate change, resource competition, and military positioning converge.