Flashcards: Maritime Power and Arctic Geopolitics — 22 cards

Arctic Ocean — what?

Central oceanic area, ice-covered, surrounded by territories.

Arctic Council — role?

Forum for Arctic states to coordinate cooperation and governance.

Arctic Council members?

Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, USA.

Major Arctic powers?

USA and Russia.

Global warming effects?

Ice reduction and melting increase access for resources and shipping.

Maritime power — definition?

State’s ability to project influence via sea control.

Leading power — criteria?

Economic, military, political/diplomatic strength, soft influence.

Hard power criteria?

Economic capacity, military capability, diplomatic weight.

Soft power influence?

Culture, language, media, diplomacy impact.

Sea power — what?

A nation’s influence through naval assets and maritime access.

UK naval pillars?

Economy, empire, navy (1820–1914).

US naval evolution?

Post-1920: naval power comparable to UK, leading economy.

Sea power criteria?

Fleet presence, bases, carrier groups, aircraft, troops.

China’s maritime rise?

Since 2013: more aircraft carriers, naval investment, partnerships.

US–China maritime confrontation?

Pivot to Asia, forward bases, FONOPs in South China Sea.

EEZ — what?

Exclusive economic zone, up to 200 nautical miles.

South China Sea — why?

Top maritime trouble spot: claims, resources, strategic control.

NATO maritime missions?

Secure routes, humanitarian aid, prevent illegal activity, respond to threats.

NATO operations?

Operate on/over/under sea, share intelligence via networked centers.

Supply chain disruption?

Port strikes cause rerouting, backlog, delays, and higher costs.

Mitigation strategies?

Reroute, use inland intermodal, switch to air freight.

Arctic first line?

Arctic geography as early defense for North America.