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Cracks in the Ice: Why Engaging China Can Check Russian Power in the Arctic

ROD, Zdeněk; Jan ŽELEZNÝ and Nicolas JOUAN

Basic information

Original name

Cracks in the Ice: Why Engaging China Can Check Russian Power in the Arctic

Authors

ROD, Zdeněk; Jan ŽELEZNÝ and Nicolas JOUAN

Edition

2025

Publisher

RAND Corporation

Other information

Language

English

Type of outcome

Popularizing texts and activities

Field of Study

50601 Political science

Confidentiality degree

is not subject to a state or trade secret

References:

Organization unit

CEVRO University

Keywords (in Czech)

Arktida

Keywords in English

Arctic

Tags

International impact, Reviewed
Changed: 21/1/2026 12:49, Mgr. Jan Železný, Ph.D.

Abstract

In the original language

The Arctic is no longer a frozen frontier of scientific research and melting ice. Once viewed as a geostrategic backwater, the region has become central to the ambitions of the world's most powerful states. From the United States' push for dominance through icebreaker fleets and military outposts, to Russia's aggressive remilitarisation and China's quiet economic inroads, the race for Arctic influence is heating up. Amid these shifting dynamics, an unexpected opportunity has emerged for the West. By strategically engaging China, the United States and Europe could fracture the fragile Moscow–Beijing alignment and contain Russian ambitions in the High North.