During the cold war, it was one of the most militarized areas in the world because of us. The idea that there could be wars and conflicts elsewhere, but in the arctic there would be peace infa. And this idea flourished until probably two thousand 14 in russia's illegal annexation of crimea. So how will it change? I think fundamentally t depends much more on what will be russia's desire to have a relationship with the rest of the arctic countries. If finland and sweden are a becoming members in nato there's a chance that you actually discuss security policy,. which is one of the side reasons probably why that council hasn't been completelya tossed off
Their admission to NATO would further isolate Russia, leaving it the only Arctic country outside the alliance.
This episode was produced by Victoria Chamberlin, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Paul Mounsey, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram
Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained
Support Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices