Russia's Arctica policy in the context of national security

The Arctic has become a region of intense international competition due to the increased accessibility to resources as a result of global warming. Among the regional countries, Russia pursues an active policy in the Arctica, seeking access to the region's rich resources while safeguarding its national security. Particularly since the 2000s, with Vladimir Putin's rise to power, a more active approach in Russia's Arctica policy has emerged. Following this shift, Russia has significantly increased its activities in the region. Its efforts to enhance its influence in the Arctic have at times led to tensions with NATO countries, and after the Ukrainian crises, Russia strengthened its cooperation with East Asian countries in response to Western sanctions. Russia's strategic steps in the Arctica are shaped by its objectives to both exploit the region's economic potential and bolster its military strength. In this context, Russia's policies in the region have not been limited to energy and resource access but have also impacted its relations with international actors in the Arctica. The main question of this study is whether these strategies align with a new or traditional approach in Russia's national security understanding. Therefore, Russia's Arctica policy is examined from both regional and international perspectives. This study aims to assess Russia's national security perspective through its Arctic policy, focusing on whether Russia adopts a strategy closer to a new security understanding or a traditional security approach. The Arctica holds critical importance for Russia's strategic interests and national security. Access to energy resources and sea routes in the region is a part of Russia's efforts to maintain its economic and military power. By increasing its military presence in the Arctica, Russia aims to protect its sovereignty rights while maintaining a balance in international relations. The study analyzes Russia's policies in the Arctica through official strategic documents and military activities in the region. As a method, Russia's strategic documents have been reviewed, and it has been identified that while there is an emphasis on compliance with international law, significant attention is also given to investments in the defense sector.