Russia asserting its rights in Arctic to gain access to resources

The resource race of the 21st century requires that nations seek resources from every corner of the globe to meet growing demand.¹⁶⁹ The seas—long considered valuable sources of minerals, food, and now, energy—are no exception.¹⁷⁰

Not surprisingly, nations are racing to stake a claim to these resources.¹⁷¹ Russia made a bold move in August of 2007 by planting a flag on the Arctic Seacap at the North Pole in an attempt to reinforce claims it has been making since 2001 that it owns the resources on the floor of the Arctic Ocean.¹⁷² The Arctic Seacap is an especially sought after area since it “may hold billions of gallons of oil and natural gas—up to 25 percent of the world’s undiscovered reserves”¹⁷³ and is rapidly melting, making it navigable for the first time.¹⁷⁴ Russia’s actions met immediate resistance from members of the international community, and have sparked debate over the resources the sea holds and who their lawful owner is.¹⁷⁵ In fact, one journalist commented that “[t]he polar dive was part publicity stunt and part symbolic move to enhance [Russia’s] disputed claim to nearly half the Arctic seabed.”¹⁷⁶