The Arctic in 2019: international and national aspects (issues of international cooperation and security)
The article represents a review of the leading international and Russian conferences that took place in 2019 and played an essential role in the study and development of the Arctic. The author paid attention to the analysis of their features from the standpoint of strengthening Arctic international cooperation. It is noted that the Fifth International Forum “The Arctic - Territory of Dialogue” (St. Petersburg) made a significant contribution to the development of Arctic solidarity and partnership. The author commended a proposal of creating a separate state company in Russia that would operate on the Arctic shelf, have the appropriate personnel, equipment and would not be related to business interests. It is noted that in Russia, it is necessary to organize more events and conferences on the Arctic topic in the Arctic territories. The publication concerns the measures taken by the country's leadership to manage the Arctic zone of the Russian Federation. Particular attention is paid to the further development of the Northern Sea Route, a new approach to its functioning, which consists of a significant increase in its cargo transportation along with the parallel development of the Russian Arctic territories within the framework of development support zones. The article presents an analysis of the State Commission for the Development of the Arctic meetings on research and national projects. The author also focuses on the current problems of defense and security in the Arctic region. It is noted that Russia is taking adequate measures to strengthen its national security in the Arctic region in response to the NATO states' military buildup in the Arctic.