Arctic Militarization: Cold War Legacy

This lecture delves into the stages of Arctic militarization during the Cold War, from a 'military vacuum' to a 'military front'. It explores the military build-up in the region, including strategic nuclear submarines and attack nuclear submarines. The Arctic is depicted as a significant military 'theatre', with numerous nuclear warheads and reactors on ships. The legacy of the Cold War in the Arctic is highlighted through nuclear safety concerns, such as radioactive waste and accidents, leading to environmental awakening. Conclusions point out the impact of technological progress on spreading maritime strategies and nuclear weapons systems in the Arctic, shaping it as a 'nuclear theater'. Militarization also influenced the modernization of indigenous peoples, sparking conflicts over land and water use.