Growing Importance of the Barents Sea Region

The Barents Sea region spans across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and northwestern Russia. Although the region is roughly the size of Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Spain combined, it is home to only about 5.2 million people. Most of the population and territory is Russian, as are the largest urban centers, which host most of the population. Norway and Russia are the most relevant actors in the region because of their dominance in its oil and natural gas sector. With dwindling oil and natural gas reserves in the south, the defense of Norwegian interests above the Arctic Circle has become increasingly important for Oslo -- as has Norway's relationship with Russia. Nordic countries and Russia view each other with suspicion, but as neighbors they also see the benefits of economic cooperation.

For instance, Norway emphasizes its NATO membership and strong defense ties with other Nordic countries while at the same time collaborating with Russia in the energy sphere. In turn, Russia benefits from this collaboration by getting access to Norway's technical expertise, particularly in deep-sea drilling. Meanwhile, Moscow is fortifying its interests in the Barents Sea region and wider Arctic with plans of expanding transport infrastructure and its military presence. As the geopolitical importance of the Barents Sea region grows over time, so too will the potential for economic disputes between the primary players in the region, Norway and Russia. The stakes are high given the area's natural resources and potential growth in maritime traffic, and tensions will likely grow as Russia tries to strengthen its influence in the region.

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