Russia's long-held plan to "master" it's Artic regions is predicated upon developing massive oil and gas reserves, tapping into an extensive mineral resource base, and creating a transport infrastructure to bring all of these resources to market. Recently, the scope and pace of the development of Russian infrastructure in this region has increased, perhaps beyond many scholars' expectations.

Dr. Thomas E Rotnem, of RCHSS's SGIA, will discuss these plans, and the significant dilemma they present the Russian regime, its populace, and potentially its neighbors.