Mearshimer’s Realism and Canada’s Lack of Action in the Arctic

John Mearsheimer, a prominent proponent of offensive realism in international relations, has long argued that great powers will compete for dominance in strategically significant regions to ensure their survival. Applying this framework to the Arctic, the region’s increasing importance due to climate change, resource accessibility, and trade route potential has become a theater for geopolitical competition. However, Canada’s response to these developments has been lackluster, raising concerns about its ability to assert sovereignty and protect its interests in the Arctic.

Mearsheimer’s Perspective on Arctic Competition

From a Mearsheimerian perspective, the Arctic presents a textbook example of a security dilemma. As melting ice opens new sea lanes and unlocks vast reserves of oil, gas, and other minerals, the region has become a hotbed for power struggles among great powers, particularly Russia, China, and the United States. In this zero-sum competition, failure to act assertively could lead to the erosion of a state’s influence and sovereignty over critical areas.

• Russia’s Actions: Russia has aggressively pursued Arctic dominance, bolstering its fleet of icebreakers, investing in Arctic infrastructure, and militarizing its northern frontier.

• China’s Presence: While not an Arctic nation, China has declared itself a “near-Arctic state” and is building a presence in the region through partnerships like its “Polar Silk Road”…