Here Comes the Sun: Constraining Russian Aggression and Ambition in the Arctic Through the Analysis of Structural Realism

• Main Author: Battey, Samantha B.
• Format: Text
• Language: unknown
• Published: CU Scholar 2018
• Subjects: Arctic; Climate Change; Structural Realism; Russia; Continental Shelf; political agreement; International Law; International Relations; Other International and Area Studies; Political Theory; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Canada; Norway; Antarc*; Climate change
• Online Access: https://scholar.colorado.edu/honr_theses/1713; https://scholar.colorado.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2785&context=honr_theses

This paper is a broad case study attempting to reconcile how structural realism can use different liberal theories and concepts to accomplish realist ends. That being said, the current situation in the Arctic has real-world significance that draws equal importance with the theoretical implications of this thesis. As climate change is opening the Arctic to economic exploitation in the near future, this paper addresses the rising importance of the Arctic and the issue of how the U.S. and its allies should respond to Russian militarization of the Arctic while ensuring their own interests. By the utilization of structural realism in the analysis of the situation, this paper argues that an efficient way to prevent Russia from gaining economic capabilities in the Arctic is through a political agreement based on the common interests of the “Arctic Five”: the United States, Russia, Canada, Denmark, and Norway. Preference schedules analyzes and compares each state’s individual interests, resource sovereignty, continued peaceful operations and cooperation, and environmental sustainability. The analysis of UNCLOS and the Antarctic Treaty System reveal both relevant provisions and crucial mistakes to be taken into account while constructing this political agreement. After a discussion of specific policy, this thesis concludes that a political agreement is the most effective way to constrain Russian aggression and ambition in the Arctic.