The energy factor in the Arctic dispute: a pathway to conflict or cooperation?

• Published in: The Journal of World Energy Law & Business
• Main Author: Hong, Nong
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press 2012
• Subjects: Articles; Arctic
• Online Access: http://jwelb.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/short/5/1/13; https://doi.org/10.1093/jwelb/jwr023

The Arctic has recently witnessed a manifold growth in its geostrategic importance due to the emergence of huge deposits of oil and natural gas, and the potential contribution of northern sea routes for global shipping. As a result of this, northern regions and seas have become a target area for growing economic, political and military interest from the Arctic states major powers outside the region and trans-national companies. This article analyses the perspective of international law on the ownership of non-living resources in the Arctic. It also unfolds the challenges and opportunity in energy development in the north. Joint management of resources is an option that might come into play as countries dispute might see more advantage in approaching the disagreement this way rather than losing a claim in a zero-sum game. The energy factor, rather than a possible curse upon the Arctic, could serve as an opportunity for regional cooperation in the region.