Russia May Go To War Over The Artic
Posted by N T Lihou at 2/2/2009 3:13 PM 
Categories: Europe,UN,Resource Warfare,Russia,American Politics
Categories: Europe,UN,Resource Warfare,Russia,American Politics
The unspoiled natural resources of the Artic have many countries already expressing interest. The European Union, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, Finland and the United States have drawn up plans for the region but Russia's plan calls for a more firmer statement of rights to the minerals. A Russian national plan will be unveiled this week that includes the wording that, "battle for raw materials will be waged with military means".
Russia is already looking to claim an additional 1 million square kilometers of Artic property. the hopes are this will add to Russian oil and natural gas reserves. the belief being touted by Russian scientists is that would mean an increase of 20% more resources.
The motherland will present evidence to back up its claims over this property. the problem facing Russia is that the previously mentioned countries are also making claims on certain parts of the property.The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea says any littoral state can lay claim to territory within 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) of its shoreline, and can develop any natural resources within that zone. The law, however, also stipulates that that distance can expand to some 350 miles (648 kilometers) if the littoral state can provide scientific proof than an undersea continental plate is a natural extension of its territory. However, if the United Nations does not properly recognize Russia's claim, it will withdraw from the UN convention on the Law of the Sea. Norway and Canada are already facing increased activity by Russian military as it sends strategic bombers and submarines to the area.
Analysis:
The new militaristic posture from Russia has gained enough attention, that NATO is now going to hold a meeting to discuss the security challenges of the artic region. This newly announced meeting is no doubt a subtle message by the West that they will answer military aggression with military aggression. Using a multinational organization like NATO alos offers a military capability to countires such as Norway, Iceland and Sweden who can't readily challenge the Russians.
One should not easily discount the stakes of the game that Russia plays when it comes to Resource Warfare. As this summer has shown Russia is very serious about its resources. The actions Russia used against Europe with the natural gas crisis and the foray into an OPEC-like natural gas organization shows that Russia is in the game for keeps. One needs to keep an eye on the veiled threats that now come out of Russia when they are eyeing such a rich prize in the Artic.
Russia is already looking to claim an additional 1 million square kilometers of Artic property. the hopes are this will add to Russian oil and natural gas reserves. the belief being touted by Russian scientists is that would mean an increase of 20% more resources.
The motherland will present evidence to back up its claims over this property. the problem facing Russia is that the previously mentioned countries are also making claims on certain parts of the property.The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea says any littoral state can lay claim to territory within 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) of its shoreline, and can develop any natural resources within that zone. The law, however, also stipulates that that distance can expand to some 350 miles (648 kilometers) if the littoral state can provide scientific proof than an undersea continental plate is a natural extension of its territory. However, if the United Nations does not properly recognize Russia's claim, it will withdraw from the UN convention on the Law of the Sea. Norway and Canada are already facing increased activity by Russian military as it sends strategic bombers and submarines to the area.
Analysis:
The new militaristic posture from Russia has gained enough attention, that NATO is now going to hold a meeting to discuss the security challenges of the artic region. This newly announced meeting is no doubt a subtle message by the West that they will answer military aggression with military aggression. Using a multinational organization like NATO alos offers a military capability to countires such as Norway, Iceland and Sweden who can't readily challenge the Russians.
One should not easily discount the stakes of the game that Russia plays when it comes to Resource Warfare. As this summer has shown Russia is very serious about its resources. The actions Russia used against Europe with the natural gas crisis and the foray into an OPEC-like natural gas organization shows that Russia is in the game for keeps. One needs to keep an eye on the veiled threats that now come out of Russia when they are eyeing such a rich prize in the Artic.
Comments