The Great Competition for the Arctic: The Reasons Why China, Russia, and the United States Are Interested in the Region

The debate over the Arctic is intensifying more than ever, as President Donald Trump continues to push for Greenland to become part of the United States. However, despite the world being bewildered by Trump's demands for the United States to acquire a region belonging to one of its closest and most trusted allies, the competition for the Arctic has been ongoing for decades. Russia has at least 30 military bases in the Arctic and has dedicated significant resources to its fleet of nuclear submarines, which form the basis of its military power in the region. Russia's Military Strength in the Arctic For decades, Russia has been increasing its military presence in the Arctic, investing in both new and existing installations in the region. The Simons Foundation, a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to monitoring Arctic security and nuclear disarmament, reports that there are 66 military bases and hundreds of additional installations and outposts throughout the vast Arctic region. NATO and Russia are strengthening their military presence in the Arctic. According to the Simons Foundation, a Canadian non-profit organization focused on Arctic security, there are more than 60 military bases and complexes in the region, in addition to hundreds of other defense installations.