NATO'S NORTHERN FLANK ARCTIC REGION
Sude Nur AKBULUT tarafındanThe Arctic region (the area around the North Pole) encompasses the territories of eight countries: Canada, Russia, Alaska, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Greenland, and Iceland. These countries are also members of the Arctic Council.
NATO's policies and activities in the Arctic region have been limited since the Cold War. Its aims have been primarily focused on ensuring stability and cooperation in the region.
NATO has focused more on the Arctic region, especially after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Not only NATO, but other powers such as China and the United States are also paying attention to and focusing on this region. As threats in the Arctic region increased in 2021, NATO developed a strategic concept in 2022. According to this strategic concept, the Arctic region is defined as a key area of geopolitical competition. In a statement, NATO Secretary General Jens Stortenberg emphasized the importance of the Arctic both militarily and economically.
On the other hand, NATO has conducted numerous exercises in the Arctic in line with its objectives. The largest of these exercises took place in 2018, involving 31 countries and 50,000 soldiers. The exercise was conducted to test how NATO forces would operate in Arctic conditions. Following this, exercises continued in 2022 and beyond. As can be seen from this, NATO is strengthening its combat capabilities in extremely cold climates and demonstrating its military presence in the region to its allies.
Looking at recent events, the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO in 2023-2024 has increased NATO's effectiveness and influence in the region. Simultaneously, NATO is building military bases in Norway for Arctic defense. Canada has also increased its defense budget for this region since 2022. New radar systems and special Arctic military units have been established. As a result, NATO is strengthening its military bases and presence in the Arctic, thereby increasing its deterrence against Russia, another major power in the region.
Looking at the present day, new maritime routes are opening up in the Arctic region thanks to melting glaciers caused by climate change. These routes are of great importance for trade because they significantly shorten transit times. This situation leads to strategic competition and increases the importance of the region. At the same time, the presence of oil, natural gas, and rare earth elements in the region is one of the most important factors increasing its value. In light of the region's increasing importance, it has been determined that NATO needs to strengthen its northern flank, one of its most critical but neglected fronts.
Sude Nur AKBULUT
