Analyzing Russian Interdependency through Development Projects along the Northern Sea Route

• Main Author: Holland, Tyler
• Other Authors: Elana Tovah Wilson Rowe
• Format: Master Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Norwegian University of Life Sciences 2024
• Subjects: Northern Sea Route
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/11250/3148180

Studying interdependencies gives insight into how nations form partnerships that benefit their wider ambitions. This has made the study of Russia’s interdependencies increasingly important as the Ukraine conflict progresses. The purpose of this study, however, is not to recommend Russian isolation not collaboration. Rather, it is to analyze how Russia manages interdependencies through analyzing a variety of key questions. Through an analytical study of Russia’s approach to Northern Sea Route development -and Arctic energy development policies in general- I intend to reveal about Russia’s approaches towards changing interdependencies. A mixture of complex and weaponized interdependence is then used to achieve this as the use of both theories offers the best approach due to the complexity of the situation. The Northern Sea Route (NSR) and Arctic energy sector directly impact broader Russian goals, making them important topics for analyzation. As a result, the Northern Sea Route functions as the case study through which Russian interdependences are analyzed. Textual analysis using official documents, articles from journals and media reports from sources such as the High North News allowed for the reveal of key questions important which influence Russian interdependency. These include questions concerning the maintenance of the Northern Sea Route’s low-tension status, developing the NSR as a competitive transportation hub, developing the Arctic energy sector and improving regional quality of life. Answers show the importance complex interdependence plays within Russian relationships, while weaponized interdependence continues to serve an important function. Analyzation of Russian interdependency through the Northern Sea Route makes a complex task manageable and allows relationships that effect the development of the entire country to be closely scrutinized.