COUNTERING RUSSIA IN THE ARCTIC: U.S. POLICY APPROACHES AND STRATEGIC ALLIANCES UNDER THE TRUMP’S ADMINISTRATION

Abstract

The Arctic has become the center of geopolitical and geo economic interests particularly during the Trump administration. The impact of global warming has brought the Arctic region to the forefront of geopolitical considerations. It has provided access to natural sources and new shipping routes thus offering immense economic benefits. The mineral resources have made it the commercial centre abundant with the complicated issues that directly affect U.S. national security. To compete for global interests, the US government under Trump is participating actively in the Arctic region. The biggest competitor for the US is Russia. Russia’s increased strategic developments in the Arctic are a threat to its national and security interests. To counter Russia, the US is focused on strengthening its presence through alliance and military development. The research questions that this paper addressed are:(1) How the Trump administration's Arctic and climate policies have affected U.S. relations with Canada and Greenland, with a particular emphasis on strategic and economic interests? (2) What are the strategies adopted by the US to counter Russia’s militarisation in the Arctic?