Melting ice, potential trade routes, and the promise of oil have all prompted a rush by the five nations of the Arctic to quickly establish a strong military presence area and make claims to territorial rights in the area. Russia, Denmark, Canada, Norway, and the United States are all building up their military capabilities in the Arctic in response to growing concern over which nations will be able to claim the estimated 233 billion barrels of oil that are expected to be recoverable beneath the ocean floor. In addition to making new oil reserves available, melting sea ice may also open up new maritime trade routes through the Arctic Ocean, creating unprecedented new possibilities for shipping and transport.

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