Britain and the Arctic

Description

British interest in the Arctic has returned to heights not seen since the end of the Cold War; concerns about climate change, resources, trade, and national security are all impacted by profound environmental and geopolitical changes happening in the Arctic. Duncan Depledge investigates the increasing geopolitical significance of the Arctic and explores why it took until now for Britain – once an ‘Arctic state’ itself – to notice how close it is to these changes, what its contemporary interests in the region are, and whether the British government’s response in the arenas of science, defence, and commerce is enough. This book will be of interest to both academics and practitioners seeking to understand contemporary British interest and activity in the Arctic. Front Matter ....Pages i-xiv Introduction: Britain and the Arctic (Duncan Depledge)....Pages 1-12 Britain: The Forgotten Arctic State? (Duncan Depledge)....Pages 13-34 The Circumpolar Arctic (Duncan Depledge)....Pages 35-61 Britain in the Arctic Today (Duncan Depledge)....Pages 63-99 To Strategise in the Arctic, or Not? (Duncan Depledge)....Pages 101-122 Conclusions (Duncan Depledge)....Pages 123-134 Back Matter ....Pages 135-142