Russia’s Strategic Concerns in the Arctic and Its Impact on Japan–Russia Relations Russia places a high strategic priority on the Arctic from a security perspective, in view of the need to secure the Northern Sea Route as well as develop natural resources in the region. While large-scale snap military inspections were taking place in Russia’s Far East in July 2013, five Chinese navy vessels passed into the Sea of Okhotsk—the first such instance in history. Shinji Hyodo | November 2014 | Strategic Analysis
Russia’s China Policy in the Arctic This article discusses the type of partnership Russia pursues towards China in the Arctic. Through evidence, the author finds that while Russia may be aiming for an overall strategic partnership, Arctic developments on the whole conclude on a pragmatic approach. Russia needs assistance to develop the Arctic and an eastward diversification is opportune. Russia’s energy development in the Arctic indicates an emerging strategic co-operation with China, but policies towards Beijing concerning the Arctic Council and the Northern Sea Route prove to be more pragmatic. Tom Røseth | November 2014 | Strategic Analysis
Norway’s High North Policy and New Asian Stakeholders This article examines the main drivers of Norway’s High North policy towards the new Asian stakeholders. The High North became a foreign policy priority for Norway in 2005, and Norway is building on the foundations of this policy by engaging new Asian stakeholders in Arctic affairs. An aspiration to impact Asian states’ views on Arctic developments early in their policy-making processes, including on the legal and institutional framework for the Arctic through diplomatic dialogue, is one factor explaining Norway’s engagement policy. Jo Inge Bekkevold , Kristine Offerdal | November 2014 | Strategic Analysis
Arctic: The Next Great Game in Energy Geopolitics? As global warming and melting of the ice is making the Arctic increasingly accessible, the region’s hydrocarbon riches are attracting international interest. Thus far, despite the presence of vast untapped energy and mineral resources, the Arctic is not considered a geopolitical hotspot. In fact, many of the Arctic states have dismissed the possibility of conflict over the region’s spoils due to the collaborative governance model that has been established. Shebonti Ray Dadwal | November 2014 | Strategic Analysis
The Polar Code and Arctic Navigation The ongoing climate-induced changes in the Arctic have resulted in prospects for exploiting resources, use of the Northern Sea Route for movement of goods, and new destinations for the cruise liner industry. These activities have the potential to impact the fragile eco-system of the Arctic as well as the livelihoods of the indigenous people. Vijay Sakhuja | November 2014 | Strategic Analysis
The Northern Sea Route: Smooth Sailing Ahead? Transit traffic on the Northern Sea Route (NSR) has increased considerably in the last few years, in relative terms. There is no clear pattern of transit cargo on the NSR and little indication that cargo owners or shipping companies have committed themselves to use of this sea route for the longer term. An important exception to this picture is the Yamal LNG (liquefied natural gas) project, which will be based on year-round use of the NSR. Administrative procedures have improved and escort fees have become competitive, but are not transparent. Arlid Moe | November 2014 | Strategic Analysis
Asian Stakes and Arctic Governance Building on stakeholder management theory, this article examines the salience of Asian stakes in three key areas of Arctic governance: management and use of natural resources; shipping; and environmental protection. The Asian states that are now permanent observers in the Arctic Council have significant stakes in Arctic governance, but their salience varies considerably across these issue areas. Olav Schram Stokke | November 2014 | Strategic Analysis
Exchange Rate Variation in Defence Contracts in India This Brief analyses industry demands and reviews existing regulations in IT and defence procurement markets, culminating with suggestions on a possible way forward for reforms that can avoid adverse implications of industry demands, particularly in view of their potential conflict with important policies fostering indigenisation. Sandeep Verma | October 31, 2014 | Issue Brief
Geo-strategic Implications of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank The US sees the establishment of the AIIB as an attempt by China to pull South- East Asian countries closer to its orbit and a soft-power play that promises economic benefits while refurbishing its image among its Asian neighbours. R. S. Kalha | October 31, 2014 | IDSA Comments
India’s Military Modernization: Challenges and Prospects, edited by Rajesh Basrur, Ajaya Kumar Das and Manjeet S. Pardesi The emergence of India as an Asian great power in line with its economic development in recent years is a matter of significant strategic interest regionally and globally. India’s unique position as the world’s most populous democracy, with its diverse societal mix combined with its central geostrategic position, places it at the core of Asian and Indo-Pacific Ocean economic and strategic considerations. Lee Cordner | October 2014 | Journal of Defence Studies
