The Economic Interests of the BRICS Countries in the Arctic Region

The Arctic region is gaining increasing geopolitical and economic importance in the context of climate change and increasing competition for resources. At the same time, the economic interests of the BRICS countries in the Arctic remain poorly understood, despite their growing involvement in the development of the region. This article analyzes the most significant economic interests of the BRICS countries in the Arctic, the possibility of achieving them is assessed, and identifies the strategic priorities of these countries and the potential for cooperation in the region. The scientific novelty of the study is a comprehensive study of the economic aspects of the Arctic strategies of the BRICS countries, and takes into account both the interaction of these countries within the political association and their relations with other actors in the Arctic region. The study based on a comparative analysis of current Arctic strategies and economic programs of the BRICS countries, as well as data from international organizations and expert assessments. Special attention paid to the Russian strategy for the development of the Arctic zone until 2035, the Chinese Polar Silk Road project, Brazil’s oil and gas initiatives, India’s energy and logistics interests, as well as South Africa’s potential in scientific cooperation. The results of the analysis revealed general trends and specific national priorities of the BRICS countries in the Arctic region. It was found that each BRICS country has unique economic interests in the Arctic: Russia focuses on resource development and the development of the Northern Sea Route, China on investments in infrastructure and logistics, Brazil and South Africa on scientific cooperation and climate research, India on energy security and technological partnership. The results obtained reflect the actual points of intersection of the BRICS countries in the economic development of the Arctic region, while emphasizing the multidirectional interests of the BRICS countries in the Arctic, given the potential for cooperation. Further work should be directed at exploring coordination mechanisms between the BRICS countries in the context of increased competition with traditional Arctic states.