Geopolitics of the Polar Regions

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary purpose of the Antarctic Treaty established in 1959?

To ensure peace and facilitate scientific research (correct)

To promote military activities in the region

To regulate tourism and trade in the Antarctic region

To claim ownership of Antarctica for participating countries

Which of the following statements about the Arctic is correct?

It is a polar region that touches multiple continents including Europe and North America. (correct)

There are more than 8 countries focusing on its geopolitics.

Climate change has no significant impacts in the Arctic region.

It is uninhabited and has no indigenous people.

What is a notable consequence of climate change in polar regions?

Increase in sea ice cover every year

Rise in global temperatures decreasing ice melt

A 12% reduction in sea ice per year (correct)

No impact on the freshwater resources

Which of the following best describes the geopolitical perspective on polar regions?

They represent a stage for international power competitions over territories. Signup and view all the answers

How much of the Earth's ice is contained in Antarctica?

90% of its total ice Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the Southern Ocean have in relation to climate change?

It absorbs one-third of the CO2 captured by the oceans. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'geopolitics' refer to?

The study of power competitions over territories. Signup and view all the answers

What is projected to happen to the summer ice pack in the Arctic by 2050?

It is scheduled to disappear completely. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant advantage of the Northern Sea route?

Increased navigation safety Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the obstacles to using the Northern Sea route effectively?

Unpredictable sailing conditions due to ice Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'cabotage' refer to in the context of the Northern Sea route?

Coastal navigation and traffic Signup and view all the answers

Why is Antarctic krill considered a crucial resource?

It serves as food for various creatures in the marine ecosystem. Signup and view all the answers

What is a major economic issue of resource exploitation in polar regions?

Lack of trained personnel Signup and view all the answers

What goal has been set for the Northern Sea route in terms of annual freight by 2025?

80 million tons Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a proposed obstacle to navigation on the Northern Sea route?

Geopolitical stability in the region Signup and view all the answers

What is a suggested measure to minimize the negative impacts of human exploitation in polar regions?

Implementing sustainable resource management strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary consequence of overfishing in marine ecosystems?

Imbalances in the marine ecosystem Signup and view all the answers

What strategy is proposed to ensure the sustainability of fisheries management in Antarctica?

Establishing science-based catch limits Signup and view all the answers

Which event exemplified the consequences of overfishing, particularly with cod populations?

The collapse of the North Atlantic cod population Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is essential for effective implementation of science-based catch limits in Antarctica?

Regular review of fishing quotas Signup and view all the answers

What type of program is suggested to monitor fish populations effectively in Antarctica?

International research program Signup and view all the answers

What role do Marine Protected Areas play in the Southern Ocean?

Restrict fishing to protect marine life Signup and view all the answers

What must be enforced to ensure adherence to established fishing limits in Antarctica?

Penalties for non-compliance Signup and view all the answers

What effect does climate change have on fish populations?

Impacts fish populations and their habitats Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of the map detailing indigenous populations in the Arctic?

To visualize the distribution and concentrations of indigenous peoples Signup and view all the answers

Why does the map include the political borders of countries?

To emphasize the administrative regions as they relate to indigenous peoples Signup and view all the answers

What aspect is notably lacking in the map's design according to the critique?

Historical context regarding the indigenous populations Signup and view all the answers

How does the map visually represent the percentage of indigenous people in different regions?

By employing various shades of color Signup and view all the answers

What recommendation was made to improve the map's effectiveness?

Add climate change data affecting these populations Signup and view all the answers

Which regions showed the highest concentrations of indigenous populations?

Nunavut and Greenland Signup and view all the answers

What major issue was highlighted as a missing element in the map's narrative?

The challenges posed by climate change Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the map help in understanding indigenous populations?

By showing the concentration of populations across a broad area Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Russian Arctic National Park?

To protect environmental and cultural heritage Signup and view all the answers

What significant impact has climate change had on indigenous peoples in the Arctic?

It has led to the transformation of their lifestyles. Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction of the five coastal states to the proposal of an Arctic Treaty in 2008?

They expressed outcry and boycotted the Arctic council. Signup and view all the answers

What criticism did Greenpeace face in relation to its seal campaign?

It was labeled as 'eco-colonialism' by some groups. Signup and view all the answers

What issue arises from environmental damage in the Arctic region?

It represents a paradox by providing income sources. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of mineral resources are located within the 200 nautical mile zone in the Arctic?

95% Signup and view all the answers

Which Arctic region has a limited number of conflict disputes over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs)?

Beaufort Sea Signup and view all the answers

What is required from coastal states before border negotiations can occur regarding continental shelf extensions?

Geological validation Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event in 1969 demonstrated a challenge to Canadian sovereignty over Arctic waters?

The passage of the tanker Manhattan Signup and view all the answers

What significant reduction occurred in the Russian navy from 1988 to 1995?

Decrease from 477,000 to 200,000 personnel Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges linked to the delimitation of borders in Arctic waters?

Legal status of northern sea routes Signup and view all the answers

How was the interpretation of the Arctic viewed by Russia in terms of its potential?

A significant economic and commercial potential Signup and view all the answers

What strategy has Canada deployed to assert its claims in Arctic waters despite its lack of technical means?

Public assertions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Geopolitics of the Poles

Polar Regions Overview: The Arctic and Antarctic are unique geopolitically due to their remoteness, resource potential, and changing climate.
Antarctica: A continent surrounded by the Southern Ocean, never inhabited, and treated as a territory of peace and scientific research, governed by the Antarctic Treaty. Multiple countries lay claim to territory but are bound by the Antarctic Treaty.
Arctic: Touching Europe, Asia, and North America, the Arctic has a population of approximately 4 million people, with 20% of them being Indigenous peoples. 8 different countries have a presence in the region.
Global Warming and Geopolitics: Growing opportunities for resource exploitation and maritime trade are emerging in the Arctic region as ice melts due to global warming, and the end of the Cold War.
Geopolitics: The study of power competitions over territories.
Territory: A space appropriated by societies.

Arctic Indigenous Populations

Distribution Map: A map showing the distribution of indigenous people in the Arctic region, including areas like Alaska, Greenland, and parts of Russia. This analysis uses existing borders as the map's framework.
Key Considerations: The map focuses on the concentration of indigenous populations without further analysis suggesting potential issues such as the impact of modern political borders on indigenous territories.
Further Considerations: Potential additional annotations to add to the map illustrating environmental issues or historical contexts.

The Arctic Beyond Colonial Legacies

Artic Territory viewed as a territory to be explored and exploited: Artic views have been colonized for resource or geopolitical gains.
Historic and Fantasized Perceptions: Artic region has been perceived as a dangerous, cold and isolated/uninhabitable region.

Critical Commentary on Maps

Map Description: A necessary first step in analyzing a map. You should describe its visual representation, labeling key elements, and explaining all choices that go into the map's production, such as regions, colors, symbols, and scale.
Map Analysis: Understanding “why” the map was created in a certain way and not another, is important for analysis. It requires understanding the choice of data, visual representations, or symbols used to convey the message being conveyed.
Map Critique: Evaluation of the map; does it effectively convey the meaning? Are choices made by the creator suitable, or are certain shortcomings present? Could the map be improved to demonstrate or show different facets? Critical components in an effective analysis.

Identity-Based Paradiplomacy in the Arctic

"Paradiplomacy": A mandate for infra-state entities in the Arctic to negotiate with international players on issues that may not be directly pertinent to the state.
Regional Challenges: Crises or issues of the state and globalization, internationalization of international relations, and rising nationalism are issues that should be considered because of their impact on international relations.

Resources and Issues Surrounding Human Activities

Maritime shipping in Arctic: North and Northwest Passage are important trade routes between countries. Northwest passage is in the North of America and Canada. Northeast Maritime road is from Asia to Europe. Destination traffic (local and regional). Transit traffic (international trade).
Climate change: Melting ice opens up new trade routes.
Important Resource: The importance of the Arctic region lies in its resources, often linked to energy and trade routes.

Sustainable Fisheries Management in Antarctica

Importance of Krill: Crucial part of Antarctic food web, consumed by many species, including fish, whales, penguins, and seals.
Issues in Exploitation: Overfishing, climate change, and other factors affect populations and habitats, potentially leading to tensions and complications in conservation management.
Sustainable Management Strategies: Establishing science-based catch limits, quotas based on population assessments and ecosystem health, constant scientific review for sustainable practices are critical to ensure long-term sustainability.

Other Important Notes

Geopolitical Tensions (Russia-China): Russia and China are actively increasing their presence in the Arctic region, leading to tensions and changing geopolitical landscape.
U.S. Involvement/Interest: The U.S. has been more actively engaged in recent years compared to the past, motivated by economic and geopolitical factors.
Indigenous Rights/Concerns: Diverse indigenous populations facing challenges associated with developing technologies and infrastructure, changing climate, and demands of resource extraction, in addition to the impact of human activities.
International Agreements: The Svalbard Treaty, which recognizes Norway's sovereignty over Svalbard but includes provisions for international cooperation. Important to outline the specifics of rules that govern activity on this territory.

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Description

Explore the unique geopolitical landscape of the Arctic and Antarctic. Learn about territorial claims, governance under the Antarctic Treaty, and the implications of global warming on resource exploitation and maritime trade. Discover the role of Indigenous peoples and the strategic significance of these remote regions.