Trump, Putin, and the hidden power of the Bering Strait | The Spectator Australia
spectator.com.au -- Saturday, August 16, 2025, 6:56:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Categories: U.S.–Russia Relations, U.S. Elections & Voting Rights, U.S.–China Relations
Ahead of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska to discuss Ukraine, President Trump said there would be "some land swapping." He waxed lyrical about "prime real estate." The summit's location is a good example of land swaps and prime real estate and is in a region of growing geopolitical importance.
In 1867 Russia "swapped" Alaska for $7.2 million in a deal mocked as Seward's Folly after Secretary of State William H. Seward who negotiated the exchange. It turned out to be a snip. Commercially viable oil was discovered three decades later and has brought in more than $180 billion in revenue since Alaska became a state in 1959.
However, it's not just the 49th state's oil (and gas) which makes it so important, it's the maxim which is so close to prime real estate agent's hearts - "location, location, location." Alaska sits on one side of the Bering Strait which separates the US from Russia. The Strait connects regions each country considers vital for trade and security - the North Pacific, and the Arctic.
Strategic thinking in Moscow increasingly views the entire Arctic coastline as a continuous domain stretching from Norway, across the top of Russia, and then down through the Bering Strait. The route links Russia's Northern Fleet, based in Murmansk on the Arctic, to one of the main bases of its Pacific Fleet in Kamchatka. This is the Northern Sea Route, or NSR.
The Arctic Ocean has begun to thaw seasonally, a trend expected to continue. This means the NSR is already navigable for cargo ships for at least three months a year without needing icebreakers. Ships taking this route from Asia to Europe can sail 5,000 fewer miles than via the Strait of Malacca and Suez Canal. Journey times are cut by at least ten days with concurrent savings in costs. The savings (including insurance) are even bigger if compared with the path around Cape Horn in Africa which some vessels now take due to the Houthis firing at ships in the Red Sea en route to Suez.
Russia charges vessels a tariff in parts of the NSR's waters, all of which are within its Exclusive Economic Zone. Over the next few decades this source of revenue will increase concomitant with more frequent use, while Egypt will see a decline in fees for the Canal. The melting ice caps, and new shipping route, also make the Arctic's untapped deposits of rare earth minerals, oil, and gas more accessible. The eight Arctic countries all hope to benefit from this but others, notably China, are also involved.
These are the reasons why more than a decade ago Russia began re-establishing its military power in the Arctic. It has reopened bases mothballed at the end of the Cold War and invested in new airfields, radar stations, and infantry equipped with "Arctic-proof" drones built to withstand the climate.
The Strait connects regions each country considers vital for trade and security - the North Pacific, and the Arctic
This has drawn attention back to what was thought of as a conceptual relic of the Cold War - the Greenland-Iceland-UK (GIUK) Gap. This gateway to the Atlantic consists of the sea lanes the Russian Navy would need to pass through to strike targets in Europe or the Northeast American seaboard - hence President Trump's interest in Greenland. The world's largest island is the shortest route to the eastern parts of the US for Russian submarines and missiles. Controlling Greenland would allow the building of more radar stations and missile defense systems in addition to the Pituffik base which is home to part of US Space Force. It would also allow access to Greenland's huge supplies of cobalt, uranium and lithium - metals upon which the Americans are overreliant on China.
It is to be hoped that President Trump knows some of this history and geography because the fate of Ukraine is connected to what happens in regions listed above. A victorious Russia would embolden Putin to continue pushing out in all directions - towards Moldova, the Baltics, Kazakhstan, and possibly even the Bering Strait.
The "Baker-Shevardnadze Line" across the Strait was agreed between the USSR and US in 1990. However, although Russia and the US later agreed that it marks their maritime border Russia never ratified the deal and said it would only observe it on a temporary basis. Moscow is no position to seriously contest the line, or passage through the Strait, but may do in the future especially if it wins in Ukraine. There are even nationalist voices in Russia claiming Alaska is Russian and that the country was cheated out of its ownership.
However, Seward's Folly is now a fully integrated part of the US, its economy, and its defense strategy, as reflected in the air bases and ballistic missile defense systems located in a state which is closer to Moscow than Washington, DC. As well as being keenly aware of the above, the US looks southward. So does Russia.
The Aleutian Islands, for example, are part of Alaska and host some of America's missile defense system. The chain stretches 1,000 miles across the southern part of the Bering Strait towards Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula - home to Russia's Pacific Fleet submarines and long-range fighter jets. Further south is the Fleet's main base in Vladivostok. Everything is connected, and the gateway to the Arctic is the Strait.
It's importance waxes and wanes, 56 million years ago the region was tropical. It's heating up again, in many ways.
Sign Our PetitionThe recent summit between former President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska has rekindled discussions around the Bering Strait and its geopolitical implications. By invoking "land swapping" and "prime real estate," Trump not only trivializes the complex realities of international relations but also echoes a historical narrative that has often overlooked the voices and rights of indigenous communities. The 1867 transaction of Alaska from Russia to the United States — mockingly dubbed "Seward's Folly" — serves as a reminder that such exchanges are rarely as straightforward as they might seem. These historical precedents, marked by colonialism and imperialism, resonate deeply within the ongoing struggles for land sovereignty and environmental justice faced by indigenous populations today.
The rhetoric surrounding Alaska is steeped in a capitalist mindset that prioritizes economic gain over social and environmental concerns. Trump's characterization of Alaska as "prime real estate" diminishes the land's cultural significance to the Indigenous peoples who have inhabited it for millennia. The discovery of oil and natural resources in Alaska has indeed brought substantial revenue, but it has also led to the degradation of ecosystems and the displacement of Native Alaskans. This legacy of exploitation reflects broader patterns of colonialism, where resources are extracted for profit while local communities are marginalized. The current geopolitical stakes in the Arctic — especially as climate change renders these areas more accessible — threaten to repeat this cycle, with large corporations and powerful nations vying for control over resources while ignoring the rights and voices of Indigenous communities.
As we move deeper into the climate crisis, the melting Arctic ice is not merely a backdrop for shipping routes; it symbolizes a stark reality of environmental degradation and the urgent need for sustainable management of natural resources. The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is touted for its efficiency, but this narrative often overlooks the ecological consequences of increased shipping traffic. The exploitation of Arctic resources, from oil to rare earth minerals, raises concerns not only about environmental destruction but also about the exacerbation of global inequalities. Wealthier nations and corporations stand to benefit disproportionately from these developments, while those most affected — often Indigenous groups and lower-income communities — bear the brunt of the negative impacts.
The military reassertion of Russia in the Arctic, marked by the establishment of bases and investment in military infrastructure, reflects a broader trend of territorial competition in a warming world. This militarization poses threats not only to global peace but also to the fragile ecosystems of the Arctic. The desire to control these resources can lead to conflict, further endangering communities and wildlife. As nations engage in this "new Cold War" over Arctic territories, it becomes imperative to recognize the interconnectedness of environmental and social justice issues. Advocating for peace and collaborative approaches to Arctic governance is essential in countering militaristic responses and promoting a more equitable and sustainable future.
In conclusion, the dialogue surrounding the Bering Strait and the Arctic should be re-framed to include a focus on social justice and environmental responsibility. Historical injustices, particularly regarding Indigenous lands and rights, must inform discussions about future resource management and geopolitical strategy. As climate change accelerates the pace of these discussions, it is crucial to center the voices of those most impacted, advocating for policies that prioritize environmental sustainability and social equity over mere economic gain. Engaging with these perspectives empowers individuals to challenge simplistic narratives about land, resources, and power while fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate web of historical and contemporary issues at play.
The geopolitical landscape of the Arctic, particularly the Bering Strait, has taken center stage in discussions surrounding global trade routes and national security. As highlighted by the recent Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, the significance of this region is not merely a matter of economic interests; it intertwines with historical legacies, environmental concerns, and the evolving dynamics of global power. The memory of William H. Seward’s 1867 acquisition of Alaska, initially derided as "Seward's Folly," serves as a poignant reminder of how perceptions in politics can shift dramatically over time. What was once seen as a poor investment has transformed into a critical asset, particularly as climate change alters the navigability of Arctic waters.
Historically, the Arctic has been a contested space, rich in resources and strategically vital for national security. The current focus on the Northern Sea Route (NSR) and its implications for trade reflects a broader trend towards militarization and resource extraction in the region. As the ice melts, opportunities for commercial shipping and resource exploitation increase, leading to heightened tensions among Arctic nations. This situation is exacerbated by the presence of non-Arctic states, such as China, which are eager to stake their claims in this rapidly changing environment. The implications of these developments are profound, as nations prioritize their military readiness and economic interests over the urgent need for environmental stewardship.
As citizens, it is imperative to recognize the multifaceted challenges posed by the geopolitical competition in the Arctic. This is not just about a race for resources; it is also about the potential destruction of fragile ecosystems and the indigenous communities that depend on them. Therefore, advocacy for sustainable practices in the Arctic should be at the forefront of our political discourse. Engaging in meaningful conversations about environmental preservation, Indigenous rights, and sustainable development can create pressure on policymakers to prioritize these issues over short-term economic gains. This can take the form of petitions, participation in town hall meetings, or mobilizing grassroots organizations that focus on Arctic advocacy.
Moreover, we must critically examine the narratives surrounding national security and economic growth that often dominate discussions about the Arctic. The framing of the Arctic as a "prime real estate" opportunity, as echoed by Trump, can lead to a dangerous normalization of exploitation over conservation. It is crucial to challenge this perspective by drawing attention to the interconnectedness of global climate health and local livelihoods. By promoting a more holistic understanding of security that includes environmental and social stability, we can counteract the prevailing militaristic and capitalist narratives that threaten to exploit the Arctic for profit.
Finally, we must hold our leaders accountable for their decisions regarding Arctic policy. This includes advocating for robust international agreements that prioritize environmental protection and equitable resource distribution. The Arctic Council, which includes eight Arctic nations, represents a platform for collaboration that could be strengthened through public pressure for more inclusive and environmentally focused policies. By demanding transparency and accountability from our representatives, we can work towards a future where the Arctic is recognized not merely as a geopolitical chessboard but as a vital component of our planet's ecological health and cultural diversity. In this way, we can contribute to a more equitable and sustainable approach to the challenges posed by climate change and global competition.
The geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Bering Strait, particularly in light of the Trump-Putin summit, presents a critical opportunity for individuals to engage in activism and advocacy. Here is a detailed list of actions that can be taken:
### 1. **Educate Yourself and Others** - **Action:** Read and share articles, reports, and books about Arctic geopolitics, climate change, and international relations. - **Example:** Organize or participate in community discussions or book clubs focusing on these themes.
### 2. **Advocate for Climate Action** - **Action:** Write to elected officials advocating for policies that address climate change and the sustainable management of Arctic resources. - **Who to Write To:** - **Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)**: Lisa_Murkowski@murkowski.senate.gov or 522 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 - **Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK)**: dan_sullivan@sullivan.senate.gov or 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 - **What to Say:** Emphasize the importance of protecting the Arctic ecosystem and promoting sustainable practices rather than exploitative resource extraction.
### 3. **Support Indigenous Rights** - **Action:** Sign petitions that advocate for the rights of Indigenous peoples in the Arctic who are impacted by climate change and resource exploitation. - **Example Petition:** Change.org has various petitions related to Indigenous rights in the Arctic. One notable petition is "Support Indigenous Peoples' Rights in the Arctic." - **Where to Sign:** Visit Change.org or other platforms hosting relevant petitions.
### 4. **Engage with Environmental Organizations** - **Action:** Join or support organizations working to protect the Arctic and combat climate change. - **Examples:** - **Greenpeace**: Engage with their Arctic campaign by visiting www.greenpeace.org and signing up for newsletters. - **Sierra Club**: Get involved with local chapters focused on environmental justice and climate advocacy.
### 5. **Promote Sustainable Trade Practices** - **Action:** Write to trade representatives advocating for responsible trade policies that prioritize environmental sustainability over short-term gains. - **Who to Write To:** - **U.S. Trade Representative, Katherine Tai**: public@ustr.eop.gov or 600 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20508 - **What to Say:** Urge the U.S. to lead globally in promoting sustainable trade practices that consider the long-term environmental and social impacts.
### 6. **Participate in Local Activism** - **Action:** Attend town hall meetings or local government sessions to voice concerns about Arctic policies and climate change. - **How to Find Events:** Check local government websites or community boards for schedules of public meetings.
### 7. **Utilize Social Media for Advocacy** - **Action:** Use platforms like Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook to raise awareness about Arctic issues. - **Example:** Create or join campaigns that use hashtags like #SaveTheArctic or #ClimateActionNow to amplify your message.
### 8. **Contact Media Outlets** - **Action:** Write letters to editors of newspapers and magazines to raise awareness about the implications of militarization and resource extraction in the Arctic. - **Example Contacts:** - **The New York Times:** letters@nytimes.com - **The Washington Post:** letters@washpost.com - **What to Say:** Discuss the need for responsible governance in the Arctic that prioritizes ecological health and the rights of Indigenous communities.
### 9. **Engage in Responsible Consumption** - **Action:** Make mindful choices in consumption that support sustainable and ethical practices, particularly regarding resources linked to Arctic exploitation. - **Example:** Choose products certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
### 10. **Join Online Forums and Groups** - **Action:** Participate in online discussions regarding Arctic policies, climate change, and international relations on platforms like Reddit or specialized forums. - **Example Groups:** Look for subreddits like r/environment or r/geopolitics.
Taking these actions collectively can help raise awareness, influence policymaking, and promote a more sustainable and equitable approach to the geopolitics of the Bering Strait and the Arctic region.