Jonathan Beale, BBC's defence correspondent specializing in Arctic security, joins journalist and author Tim Marshall, known for his insights on geopolitical issues. They discuss the intense competition for Greenland and Arctic resources amid climate change. The importance of new shipping routes and the military posturing from Russia and China are explored. With NATO's expansion and rising tensions, they consider whether we might be facing a new cold war in the High North. The necessity of international cooperation in the region to address these dynamics is also emphasized.
26:44
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Arctic Importance
The Arctic's significance stems from vast oil and gas reserves and emerging trade routes due to melting ice.
Russia's control over a large portion of the Northern Sea Route raises concerns about potential navigation restrictions.
insights INSIGHT
Arctic Resources
The Arctic holds vast mineral resources crucial for renewable energy, including gold, zinc, and nickel.
Climate change facilitates access to these resources, making the Arctic a new gold rush.
insights INSIGHT
Russia's Arctic Military
Russia's Arctic military presence is strategically crucial due to its nuclear submarine fleet based in the Kola Peninsula.
This location is vital for patrols into the Atlantic, increasing tensions with NATO.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
How the Competition in Space Will Change Our World
Tim Marshall
In this book, Tim Marshall explores the new astropolitical reality, detailing how space is becoming an extension of Earth and a new arena for human competition. He discusses the historical context of space exploration, the current capabilities and future plans of major space-faring nations, and the potential for conflict and cooperation in space. The book covers topics such as the new space race, technological advancements, economic implications, and the potential for space warfare, providing a detailed and clear account of how space activities will shape global politics and human history in the coming decades.
Prisoners of Geography
Ten Maps That Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Global Politics
Tim Marshall
In 'Prisoners of Geography,' Tim Marshall argues that geography plays a crucial role in shaping the decisions and actions of world leaders. The book examines ten key regions, including Russia, China, the United States, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, India and Pakistan, Japan and Korea, and the Arctic, using maps to illustrate how geographical factors influence geopolitical strategies. Marshall challenges the idea that technology can overcome geographical constraints, emphasizing that understanding geography is essential for grasping the complexities of global politics and conflict. The book provides a fresh perspective on why certain geopolitical events occur, such as Russia's annexation of Crimea and China's expanding power base, and highlights the ongoing relevance of geography in an increasingly interconnected world.
US President-elect Donald Trump has repeated his intention to take control of Greenland, the Arctic territory controlled by Denmark. Greenland sits between the US, Europe, and the dominant Arctic power that is Russia. And further heating up tensions in the region is the fact that climate change is chipping away at the ice, creating new shipping routes and making key oil, gas and mineral resources easier to access.
On this episode, Katya Adler is joined by the BBC’s defence correspondent Jonathan Beale and journalist and author Tim Marshall to discuss the intensifying competition in the region and if we are heading for a new ‘cold war’ in the High North.