Russia’s Arctic Policy Shift: Asia’s Growing Engagement, Opportunities for Mongolia

Abstract

This paper examines Russia’s evolving Arctic policy amid shifting global dynamics, emphasizing its strategic pivot toward Asia’s growing influence and the resulting regional transformations. As Western sanctions and NATO tensions isolate Moscow, Russia has intensified the development of the Northern Sea Route, energy projects, and Arctic infrastructure while deepening partnerships with Asian states such as China and India. Using a qualitative policy and document analysis informed by geoeconomics and resource nationalism, the study explores how these collaborations, exemplified by projects like Yamal LNG, reflect Asia’s expanding role in Arctic governance and resource development. It highlights the contradictions between sovereignty and dependency in Russia’s Arctic strategy and considers potential opportunities for Mongolia’s engagement, including possible observer status in the Arctic Council. The paper argues that the Arctic is shifting from a region dominated by coastal states to one increasingly shaped by Asian economic and strategic interests