In Marc Jacobsen and Elena Wilson Rowe (eds), A Research Agenda for Arctic Security and Governance. Edward Elgar, 2026, pp. 155-174.
The Arctic's geopolitical and security landscape is complex and diverse, shaped by geographic nuances and varied national interests.
Over two decades, scholars have explored whether the Arctic will become a conflict zone due to resource competition and strategic interests or remain cooperative through governance frameworks. Security is often seen through a state-centric lens emphasising survival and power, with realist views focusing on power dynamics and constructivist approaches considering identity and perception. Geopolitics, traditionally linked to sovereignty and conflict, now incorporates critical perspectives that consider evolving narratives and perceptions of space. The Arctic, with its environmental changes and vast space, is a unique political arena where states like Russia, China, and NATO allies navigate specific sub-regional dynamics. Arctic cases, from NATO roles to Chinese influence and multilateral cooperation, highlight how geography shapes diverse security interests and operational challenges, necessitating nuanced analysis of the role of geography in shaping regional (geo)politics.
