Caspian or Arctic region: that is the question…

• Published in: Post-Soviet Issues
• Main Author: S. Y. Chernitsyna
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: Russian
• Published: Centre of Regional Research 2020
• Subjects: каспийский регион; арктика; международно-правовой статус; каспийские страны; арктические страны; региональные государства; International relations; JZ2-6530; Arctic; Арктика
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.24975/2313-8920-2019-6-4-427-437; https://doaj.org/article/724ee04038834ba49811ca275ef6d4e4

The article compares the problems of two strategically important regions for Russia — the Caspian region and the Arctic region. Despite the fact that there are some significant geographical and climate differences, the geopolitical situation in the regions is similar. There are almost identical risks in the development of these regions. Special attention is paid to the issue of ecology in the conditions of active oil and gas production. The question concerning the instruments of regulation of interstate relations is sharply raised. International cooperation is essential in addressing key issues in the regions, such as improving socio-economic conditions, energy distribution and border management. In particular, it is necessary to define a regulatory framework that would meet the new realities in the Arctic. As for the international legal status of the Caspian sea, it was settled by the adoption of the Convention following the summit in 2018. The main difference is that the Caspian region was exposed to the anthropogenic factor much earlier. The lessons learned from the work in the Caspian region can be used in the Arctic region, which can reduce some of the risks associated with the interaction of coastal countries.