institute of europe
the institute of europe of the russian academy of sciences
Analytical paper IE RAS No 31, 2025 «Militarization of Europe and the Arctic: Transformation of the Strategic Balance and Threats to the Interests of Russia»
- 06 November 2025
IE RAS presents Analytical papers of IE RAS No 31, 2025 «Militarization of Europe and the Arctic: Transformation of the Strategic Balance and Threats to the Interests of Russia» (in Russian) by Sergey Grinyaev, Doctor of Technical Sciences, Chief Researcher at the Center for Arctic Research of the Department of Country Studies, Institute of Europe, Russian Academy of Sciences.
The article analyzes the unprecedented military buildup by NATO and European Union countries during 2023-2025. The quantitative parameters of European rearmament are examined, including the dynamics of military spending and development of defense industry. Special attention is paid to militarization of the Arctic region following Finland's and Sweden's accession to NATO, transformation of national Arctic strategies of key states, and intensification of alliance military exercises in high latitudes. The destruction of Arctic cooperation system and institutional changes in regional governance are considered. Threats to Russian interests associated with formation of excessive military potential near the country's western borders and creation of "NATO Arctic ring" around Russian northern territories are identified. The necessity of an adequate response by Russia to the changing strategic environment is substantiated.
