War On The Rocks published an article titled, “Caution In The High North: Geopolitical And Economic Challenges Of The Arctic Maritime Environment”. The article reads in part as follows:
At the 2011 Arctic Forum, then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin expressed his maritime ambitions for the Arctic by declaring, “The shortest route between Europe’s largest markets and the Asia-Pacific region lie across the Arctic.” He went on to add, “the Northern Sea Route … will rival traditional trade lanes.”
The Diplomat published an article titled, “What Does China’s Fifth Research Station Mean for Antarctic Governance?”. The article reads in part as follows:
On February 7, 2018, during China’s 34th Antarctic Expedition, Chinese researchers laid the foundation of China’s fifth Antarctic research station on Inexpressible Island in Terra Nova Bay of the Ross Sea. It is expected that construction will be completed in 2022. China’s fifth station is designed to be a year-round research base, which could accommodate 80 people in the summer and 30 people in winter.
The Conversation published an article titled, “Could science diplomacy be the key to stabilizing international relations?”. The article reads in part as follows:
It’s no secret that United States–Russia relations are currently rife with tension and mistrust. The news is full of reports of Russia meddling in U.S. elections, seeding U.S. media with fake news, supporting the Syrian regime and so on.
The relationship between the two countries has reached an all-time low since the fall of the Soviet Union, with some going so far as to call it a new “cold war.” Diplomats have been unable to mend the relationship, as national security interests on each side are too narrow to provide common ground.
Scientific American published an article titled, “U.S. Still Lags Behind in Preparing for a Changing Arctic”. The article reads in part as follows:
The Coast Guard says it’s making good progress in the Arctic, an unusually upbeat assessment after years of warning that a warmer North Pole will attract more ships than the coasties can handle.
Those new assurances were cold comfort to lawmakers and experts at yesterday’s House Transportation subcommittee hearing, who portrayed the United States as lagging behind other global powers that recognize climate change will transform the Arctic into a critical hub for shipping, fishing and drilling.
PortNews published an article titled, “Arctic Economic Council expresses concern over signs of increased protectionism”. The article reads in part as follows:
The Arctic Economic Council (AEC) expresses its concern regarding the recent signs of increased protectionism in global trade. The most recent proof is the U.S. announcement regarding a 25 per cent tariff for imports of steel and 10 per cent tariff for imports of aluminum. Establishment of new tariffs will potentially have wide-ranging implications for the global economy and cross-border commerce. Furthermore, they may also have negative cumulative effects on Arctic trade.
