The discussion of the doctoral thesis titled:
“International Competition in the Arctic Region and Its Impact on Russian National Security After 2000,”
submitted by doctoral student Ammar Basim Fadhil, takes place on the morning of today, Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the College of Political Science, University of Baghdad, in Freedom Hall, in the presence of several faculty members, researchers, and academic enthusiasts.
The thesis aims to study the Arctic region as one of the growing arenas of international competition, both among littoral and non-littoral states, in light of its increasing economic and strategic importance—particularly due to its rich natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas, fisheries, and critical minerals used in advanced industries. Furthermore, the region gains growing importance as a maritime passage connecting the continents of North America, Asia, and Europe, which may make it a future competitor or alternative to certain international shipping routes, including the Suez Canal and the Strait of Malacca, thereby contributing to reshaping the map of global navigation and trade.
The study addresses the strategies adopted by active states in the polar region through issuing strategic documents that define their goals and interests, diagnosing the challenges they face, and formulating policies to address them and achieve the greatest possible economic and strategic gains. It also examines the implications of these policies for Russian national security and the measures taken by the Russian government to deal with them, particularly in the economic and military fields.
The findings of the study show that climate shifts and ice melting in the Arctic region contribute to increasing the challenges facing Russian national security as a result of the exposure of Russian coasts to the movement of naval ships and submarines belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which prompts Russia to strengthen its land, naval, and air capabilities in the region.
The study also demonstrates that Western sanctions imposed on the Russian economy contribute to driving Moscow to redirect a large portion of its energy exports from Western markets toward the East via the Northern Sea Route, with the aim of mitigating the impact of sanctions and enhancing the economic and strategic importance of the polar region.
The discussion committee consists of:
Professor Dr. Ahmed Abd Al-Amir Khudhair – Chair.
Professor Dr. Faiq Hassan Jassim – Member.
Professor Dr. Saif Nusrat Tawfeeq – Member.
Assistant Professor Dr. Saad Rzeig Edam – Member.
Assistant Professor Dr. Mohammed Kadhim Abbas – Member.
Professor Dr. Dunia Jawad Mutlak – Supervisor.
At the conclusion of the discussion, and following extensive scientific deliberation, the discussion committee decides to accept the thesis and awards the student a Doctorate degree in Political Science with a grade of Very Good.
This discussion comes within the framework of the College of Political Science at the University of Baghdad focusing on the study of contemporary geopolitical and strategic transformations, and shedding light on international issues with a direct impact on security, politics, and the economy at both regional and international levels.
