Arctic Ocean: Operational Stage of the 21st Century or the Rise of Russia

Arctic or circle region extending above 70° to north pole is located at the end of the lands of continental Europe, Asia and North America, such as the Great Sea and the Arctic Ocean. It is the smallest ocean in the world surrounded by Russia, Canada, Denmark, Norway and America and for this reason, it is also called polar Mediterranean. This icy ocean, out of the reach of human beings, has remained intact. Preliminary estimates indicate that approximately 20% of mineral resources and 25% of world energy resources are located on the bed of the ocean. Russia has the smallest access to the world seas. The status and legal limits of its territorial waters have already been delienated. According to the existing Conventions, the five surrounding Arctic countries are limited to a 200 mile exclusive economic zone based on the sector principle. Oceanographic research institutes show that if global warming trends continue, the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free in summer season by 2030. A research was conducted to answer the question that how the melting ice affects military, geo-strategic and geo-economic issues. The results show that, in the 21st century, this area will be the scene of global operations. Melting ice, will open waterways which could be an opportunity for global trade and economy, but, it could lead to a struggle between countries which world threaten global security.