Publication

This paper explores the economic, geopolitical and ecological dimensions of Arctic offshore hydrocarbon development, but while also accounting for the growing instability in the region and its cascading effects on international politics. The text's authors specifically analyze the tensions that have arisen because of Russia’s offshore Arctic oil exploration activities, which are both recognized and sanctioned, and the political dialogue that has been put on hold because of the acrimony that currently exists between Russia and the West. The resulting “loss of a cooperative spirit” is working against sustainable Arctic development, the authors argue, and needs to be reversed.