Analysis: The Arctic: Through icy waters

Major analysis feature. As global warming eases access to the vast polar region, shorter trade routes and rich resources are in prospect – but strategic issues grow more acute for surrounding nations, writes Bernard Simon.

The transformation of the once inaccessible north is raising tricky strategic, legal and logistical issues, especially for the five nations – Canada, Denmark, Norway, Russia and the US – with jurisdiction over all the Arctic’s land and much of its water. Indigenous people of the area also face wrenching economic and social changes to their already threatened traditional way of life.

ESO: Background information: Clinton: Arctic Council enters new era of 'decision-making' http://www.europeansources.info/record/clinton-arctic-council-enters-new-era-of-decision-making/

Arctic Council: Homepage http://www.arctic-council.org/

Nordic Council: Article, 23.6.11: Nordic countries get an international voice in the Arctic http://www.norden.org/en/analys-norden/tema/the-fight-for-the-arctic/nordic-countries-get-an-international-voice-in-the-arctic

EUObserver, 9.6.11: The eyes of the EU remain fixed on Arctic skies, despite setbacks http://www.norden.org/en/analys-norden/tema/the-fight-for-the-arctic/the-eyes-of-the-eu-remain-fixed-on-arctic-skies-despite-setbacks

Politiken, 7.8.12: Denmark sets course for North Pole (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/article/2481451-denmark-sets-course-north-pole

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