Geopolitics of the Arctic region- Interests and ambitions of major economies
The Arctic region has been one of the significant areas of research in international relations studies because, in international relations, two significant levels are considered. One is the international system level (USA, China, Russia interplay), and another one is the regional level (Arctic). Conflicts over the Arctic territory persist between the major economic players because the region is renowned for its natural resources. The interests of the three nations in the Arctic emerged during the Cold War era. Arctic managed to become a prominent player because it had played a strategic role systematically when the competition between the USSR and the USA was at its maximum state. Even after a sudden drop in the geostrategic and geopolitical relevance of the Arctic in the 1990s, the Northern region managed to regain its position. The Arctic re-established itself, and Russia has managed to notice the strategic importance of the region. Thereafter, Russia re-established its military power over the Arctic. Moreover, Russia’s location has been one of its advantages. Russia continued to dominate the Arctic by building the Northern Fleet in the Kola Peninsula region. The Northern Fleet is renowned for its strategic submarines, and these are equally important for Russia because it represents Russia as a significant nuclear power. Moreover, Moscow’s ambitions and strategic plans have been centred on the Arctic. Similarly, China is playing an equally important role because Beijing continues to assert its power over the Arctic on the world stage. Talks regarding power expansion are prevalent. Moreover, China has been regarded as a “near-Arctic state”, and therefore, it is attempting to take advantage of this position. Nevertheless, China has not gained acceptance as “Arctic state”, and therefore the nation is not part of the regional politics. Nevertheless, both the nations are cooperating in order to fulfil their economic objectives, and both the nations have realised the significance of the Strait area or the Bering Sea. On the other hand, the U.S has its own advancing security interests, and the nation has developed the Arctic Policy that emphasises sustainable development, environmental protection and protection of the indigenous people.
Geopolitical and security implications due to USA-Japan-South Korea alliance
The USA-Japan-South Korea alliance is a kind of partnership that focuses on tightening security matters. The USA has considered South Korea and Japan as its bilateral allies. Therefore, in the National Defence Strategy of the USA, both South Korea and Japan hold strong positions. Other partners or “network of allies” are also present; however, these two nations continue to play a significant role in managing conflict and competition with China and Russia. The focus has been given to enhance the capabilities, and the USA considers both South Korea and Japan as “force multipliers.” From handling burdens to sharing opportunities, every time Japan and South Korea has supported the USA. Moreover, it is a defence cooperation that ensures “collective security”. The USA can exert its military control over its allies, and in exchange, the nation should meet the safety and security needs of its allies. Moreover, Korea emerged to be a major provider of security of the USA. Earlier, the nation was a recipient of security. Around 28,500 U.S military people along with their families reside in Korea. Again, the U.S Army Garrison Humphreys is one of the largest facilities for the military personnel, and it has been formed due to the partnership between USA and South Korea. Similarly, Japan also played a significant strategic role and has been regarded as one of the most “trusted” partners of the U.S. After World War II, conflict and tension between nations has been able to come under control due to the formation of the trilateral relationship between the powerful economies of the world. Moreover, Japan has played a huge role in the Indo-Pacific region. Hence, challenges emerging from these nations have been resolved by USA due to the constant cooperation from its trusted partner. Furthermore, 55,000 U.S-based service men call Japan their “home” and hence it is evident that the nation has gained complete trust of the U.S government. However, conflict between Japan and South Korea is still an ongoing issue and has negative economic and political implications for both the nations. Reason behind the conflict was the Imperial Japanese rule over Korea and some brutal incidents such as forced labour and excessive exploitation of Korea by the Japanese during that era. Consequently, Korea refused to create healthy trade relations with Japan and this tit-for-tat strategy resulted into rising disputes and falling stock markets.
Future possibilities of a mutual relationship- Considering both the cases
In case of the USA-China-Russia interplay, it can be stated that cooperation rather than conflict should be the way forward. The three major economies have similar interests and ambitions. Gaining control over the Arctic and representing itself in the world stage is the sole purpose of China, Russia as well as USA. Therefore the nations should be driving towards their common aspirations with a partnership-based approach. It would be a win-win situation for all. Cooperation in military developments, oil and gas sector, NSR infrastructure and growing interests in the Northern Sea Route can be considered by both China and Russia. USA, on the other hand, might act as a backbone and provide strategic as well as economic support. This in turn, will fulfil the goals outlined in the Arctic Policy of the USA.
In case of South Korea and Japan, the tit-for-tat policy will be no longer beneficial and rather toxic for both the nations. USA has already taken major initiatives to establish good relations with both ROK and Japan. It has realised the significance of a trilateral cooperation. It has already strengthened its borders and resolved its security concerns. It is now time for Japan and ROK to get over the past and focus on the future possibilities of a healthy alliance. Moreover, Japan has already recognised ROK as a legitimate government by signing the Treaty on Basic Relations (1965). Therefore, Korea can take a step ahead and resume its trade relations and cooperate with Japan in order to benefit its economy.