Why the world's superpowers are racing to control the Arctic - BBC World Service

BBC World Service

26 Sept 2025  #arctic

Tensions are rising at the top of the world as the Arctic warms faster than anywhere else on earth.

Russia and NATO have increased their military presence in the region, China is expanding its influence, and countries are vying for resources the melting ice may reveal. 

Here we explain five reasons why the Arctic has become one of the world’s most hotly contested regions.

00:00 Why are tensions high in the Arctic?

00:58 What countries are in the Arctic Circle?

02:27 How Russia’s invasion of Ukraine affects the Arctic

03:54 Who owns Greenland and why does Donald Trump want it?

04:29 Russia and China’s partnership

06:28 How climate change is affecting shipping routes

07:47 What resources are there in the Arctic?

08:44 Global interest in the Arctic

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