On February 6, 2024, the Primakov Center took part in a video conference of the USA and Canada Institute on behalf of Academician G. A. Arbatov of the Russian Academy of Sciences, which, in partnership with the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, held a joint conference on the topic “The Arctic in a Global Confrontation Context.”
During the event, a number of issues were discussed: security issues, the development of the Northern Sea Route, as well as Finland and Sweden’s possible accession to NATO.
The opening of the conference featured welcoming remarks from Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Political Sciences, Scientific Director of the USA and Canada Institute named after G. A. Arbatov of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Sergey Rogov, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Political Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Director of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Alexey Gromyko, and Deputy Director of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences for Research, Head of the Department of Country Studies, Head of the German Studies Center, Ph.D. Vladislav Belov.
During his presentation, the leading researcher of the Department of Country Studies of the Institute of Europe of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Head of the Arctic Studies Center, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor Valery Zhuravel, noted:
“Despite the adoption of various strategies by other states, Russia continues to increase its presence in the region.”
To achieve this goal, Moscow will need to further develop the infrastructure of the Murmansk region.
The Arctic is a zone where dialogue seems most possible. However, there are still contradictions between the US, Canada, Russia, and Norway. In this regard, the contradictions between the states of the region on this issue are still relevant, as highlighted by the Head of the Department for Disarmament and Conflict Resolution at IMEMO of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of the Department of International Relations and Foreign Policy of Russia at MGIMO of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ph.D. Andrey Zagorsky.
The Arctic has long been a stage for slowing down geopolitical interests, which has not gone unnoticed by the scientific community.
Significant attention was also paid to the ecological aspects of Arctic resource use and the preservation of the unique nature of this region. Scientists discussed possible ways to promote sustainable development in the Arctic, taking into account the interests of all stakeholders.
The conference allowed researchers to discuss relevant issues and find common solutions to problems related to the Arctic region. It also underscored the importance of international cooperation and dialogue to ensure peace and stability in this strategically important area of the world.
