The Arctic Vector of US Foreign Policy: Dynamics of Development in the Late 20th – Early 21st Centuries

Abstract

The current international political agenda has seen a growing importance of the Arctic region, which in the last century remained on the periphery of world politics. The interest in the Arctic is clearly manifested in the global socio-political discourse, with national interests in this region being advanced not only by the Arctic states, but also by countries having no direct geographical connection with it. Based on the analysis of key strategic documents, this article presents the dynamics of the development of the US Arctic policy in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. It is demonstrated that Barack Obama’s and Donald Trump’s Arctic policies were interconnected and had common grounds, including the following: protection of the country’s national interests in the region; environmental priorities and ensuring sustainable development of the region; participation of indigenous peoples in the decision-making process concerning their interests; development of international cooperation; freedom of navigation; responsible management of the Arctic under the leadership of the United States. However, according to the authors, Obama’s and Trump’s Arctic policies had two significant differences. Firstly, Obama viewed the Arctic as a territory of cooperation and dialogue, while Trump, as an area of rivalry and competition. Secondly, in Obama’s policy, the ecological component was more pronounced, while Trump primarily focused on the country’s economic interests. In general, the two presidents’ Arctic policies were in line with the corresponding foreign policies of the Democratic and Republican Parties. Thus, it can be predicted that Joe Biden’s Arctic policy will be a continuation of Obama’s policy.