Chinese Journal of Polar Research ›› 2022, Vol. 34 ›› Issue (3): 340-351.DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.20210049

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Analysis of Sweden’s Arctic strategy for the new decade

Yue Peng1, Chen Huiwen1, Gao Xiaoyan2   

  1. 1School of International Economics and International Relations, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110136, China;
    2 School of Public Management, Liaoning University, Shenyang 110136, China

  • Received:2021-06-10 Revised:2021-08-22 Online:2022-09-28 Published:2022-09-28

Abstract: Under Arctic amplification, the melting of Arctic ice has accelerated in recent years. The era of an ice-free Arctic is arriving. The Arctic is becoming increasingly valuable in terms of resources, transportation, and geopolitics, and is intensifying the competition among the great powers. Increasing confrontations between Russia and US and deteriorating relations between China and US are challenging Arctic security. Sweden considers that a stronger cooperation between China and Russia would lead to considerable changes in Arctic geopolitics. In November 2020, Sweden released its new Arctic report—Sweden’s strategy for the Arctic region 2020. It emphasizes international cooperation, military security, climate and environment, polar research, sustainable economic development, and improvement of residents’ living conditions; residents’ security was especially emphasized. Sweden advocates cooperation and takes on the role of mediator in case of disputes. Sweden is actively responding to the challenges in the Arctic, which include increasing risks of military confrontation, frequent disputes over maritime rights, and insufficient infrastructure.

Key words: Sweden’s Arctic strategy, Arctic security, military confrontation, great power competition