La Carrera por el Ártico Desde un Punto de Vista Geopolítico y su Prospectiva

This article analyzes Artic issues. It will be one of the most important areas soon, in terms of its management and control. Therefore, its study leads to several conclusions. First, classical Geopolitics may not be sufficient to explain or address challenges that will arise in this region of the planet, which for centuries remained a closed and conflict-free zone. Second, its geopolitical appeal lies in its natural resources (including rare earth elements and various minerals), which will be decisive in the future for industry, energy, transportation, and communications; its shipping routes will be decisive for trade and geopolitical dominance; and the still inaccessible extensive fishing areas and the exploitation of large hydrocarbon reserves (oil, natural gas, and coal). Third, the eight Arctic states (defending their territories and sovereign rights) and other external actors (mainly global powers) will struggle for Artic control and management. It has geopolitical, economic, and environmental implications that require careful handling and international cooperation to avoid negative consequences.