STATUS QUO W STOSUNKACH MIĘDZYNARODOWYCH W ARKTYCE
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS STATUS QUO IN THE ARCTIC

Summary/Abstract: Climate change observed in the Arctic transforms its geopolitics. It means easier mineralresources exploitation and opening of the new shipping routes. These factors combinedresult in increasing competition for power there, territorial claims over Arctic Oceanparts for example. Author claims that relatively small presence of Kenneth N. Waltz’sstructural realism is an untapped potential as a theoretical framework within the Arcticinternational relations research. It seems as an useful tool for its description andexplanation. The aim of the article is therefore the operationalization of a given theoryinto the object of research. Author analyses the Arctic international relations especiallyfrom the realistic perspective through the balance of power principle and its status quoconcept. He describes geopolitical potential of the region, Arctic States rivalry, conflictcapability and intensification of the international relations manifested in the idea ofcooperation within so–called Arctic Five. Author explains, why the status quo isobserved in this research area, following the rules of structural realism, despite thechanges occurring in the Arctic, what constitutes its hypothesis.

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