Rising temperatures and political tensions are putting pressure on the Far North like never before, with the major powers vying for global dominance as the melting ice opens the vast wilderness to commercial exploitation.
Russia, controlling the largest Arctic territory and coastline, and the United States, the world’s richest and most robust economy, are the principal players. Though geographically removed, China calls itself a “near-Arctic state” and is expanding its regional influence through investment, diplomacy and scientific research.