The Role of Iceland in the Arctic Issue: Diplomacy, Threats, Opportunities
Abstract
Abstract Recently the Arctic has been spoken of as the new “navel of the world”: Starting from an environmental aspect - the melting of the ice of the polar ice cap - a series of issues of great relevance are emerging in the fields of economy, such as energy and trade, geopolitics, international law and military strategy. The actors of this “game” are the member countries of the Arctic Council, the so-called “permanent observer” member countries and international and transnational institutions. In this paper we want to analyse in particular the case of Iceland. Located halfway between North America and Europe, Iceland certainly occupies a strategic position in this new geopolitical scenario. It has always maintained a favorable condition of isolation/integration: Iceland is a member State of NATO and therefore, despite not having an army, sees its defense ensured within this organization. At the same time, it is well integrated with Europe, although it is not an EU member country. Between environmental problems, new economic interests, expansionist aims of world powers and global repercussions, it can be interesting to understand what the role of this small State in the Arctic question may be, its foreign policy, its defense strategies but also its room for maneuver. Iceland tries to assert its diplomatic position and its trust in cooperation with other Arctic and non-Arctic countries, trying to pursue its socio-cultural, economic and security interests and seeking international support, visibility and image. At the same time, Iceland seems interested in seizing the economic opportunities that may arise from new diplomatic relationships, such as the recent agreement with China, the latter being interested in fostering an additional trade route - the Transpolar Route - which would pass right from Iceland.References
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