The Arctic among the great geo-political theories

Abstract

This work analyzes the current situation of the North Pole on the global geopolitical board and its importance due to hydrocarbon reserves and communication routes. Forecasts about mediumterm melting marked by seasonality revives the discussion on regional roles already contemplated in the great geopolitical theories of Mackinder, Mahan, Spykman, Corbett and Seversky, thus turning the Arctic into a new scenario of confrontation that can alter the balances of power. Focusing on a comparative analysis set in the context of the current situation, the article addresses the question about the role that the North Pole will play within a few years given its geographical position. Whether the North Pole will become a decisive region in the struggles for global hegemony will depend on how factors such as obstacles to life, transit and resource exploitation derived from its condition of frozen sea play out in the geopolitical board.