Russian-United States Relations in the Arctic in the Modern Period

The relations between Russia and the US are dichotomic by nature that are dependent on the multiple factors. The main factor is the ideological opposition of the states, nevertheless, in this study another factor has been identified. The duality of the US – Russian relations are based on the confrontation over the similar interests that are the quest for the global influence and economic prosperity. The relations of these great powers in the Arctic are complex because from the one hand the constant military buildup is happening in both states, and from another hand the tight cooperation between the Russian Federation and the USA is happening on the day-to-day basis, for instance, in the Arctic Council concerning global issues such as the climate change, the ecological pollution, the maintenance of the heritage of the indigenous people, the endangered species, etc. The purpose of the research is to prove the similar motives of both Russia and the United States of America as well as to show the differences in their approach to gain the power in the Arctic.