Geopolitical Rivalry at the Arctic

Geopolitical Rivalry at the Arctic

Global Relations Department | Foreign and Security Policy

As part of the “Foreign and Security Policy First Hand” event series, an online panel discussion entitled “Geopolitical Rivalry at the Arctic” was organised by the Antall József Knowledge Centre on 30 March 2021.

The purpose of the panel discussion was to examine the following question: What is the significance of a constantly warming Arctic from a local and a global perspective?

At the beginning of the event, the main consequences of the global climate change and of the melting Arctic were discussed as well as the Arctic strategy of the United States. Alexandra Zoltai, researcher on Chinese affairs at the Eurasia Centre of the Corvinus University of Budapest, stressed on the role of the People's Republic of China, on the one hand in scientific research on the region and on the other hand in collaboration in the energy sector. György Ilyash, researcher of the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade, emphasised that Russia's military and infrastructural build-up is restricted to its territory. Despite the country's enhanced Arctic activity, conflicts were resolved peacefully with the Arctic Council's assistance that is the only international governmental body in the region. The operation of the liquefied natural gas terminal located in the Yamal Peninsula holds a vital part in Beijing and Moscow's Arctic collaboration.

Moreover, our guests elaborated on the viability of commercial sea routes in the Arctic. As closing remarks, Russian and Chinese space-industry related activities in the region were mentioned. By the end of the event, questions from the audience were answered.

The event was realised with the support of the Prime Minister’s Office of Hungary and the Bethlen Gábor Foundation.

Global Relations Department