Today, Arctic Consensus participated in DIIS’ webinar regarding a new report on tensions and matters of security policy in the Arctic.
Increased geopolitical and tensions on security between Russia, China and the US create new dynamics and developments in the Arctic. In relation to this, The Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked DIIS to make an independent analysis of the development in the Arctic in the view of security policy. The analysis sheds light on which challenges the Kingdom of Denmark faces in this regard. It looks at how Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands face this, as a unity as well as seperate actors.
The main conlusions from the report describes Arctic as a region with growing tensions. Artic is percieved as a low-tension area, but it is currently under pressure. Climate change is a main factor, because it changes the dynamic in the region. Furthermore, the Ukraine crisis is also mentioned as it has been a catalyst for further tension and sanctions. This has resulted in a more complicated relationship between western countries and Russia.
The report from DIIS recommends the Kingdom of Denmark to foster dialogue between Russia and other Arctic states, as well as foster the general approach towards Russia. Moreover, a forum which can adress security policy between Arctic states is recommended. It also suggests following Russian and Chinese conduct in the Arctic closely, and cooperating with the US on adressing concerns in this regard. Lastly, the Kingdom of Denmark should strenghten its current course on increasing involvement and knowledge-sharing between its countries on foreign affairs, as well as increasing dialogue concerning foreign investments.
You can find the report in full on the DIIS’ website (only available in Danish, as of now)
