Arctic Security in a Warming World

A convergence of global factors is opening new territory and presenting new security challenges for the United States in the Arctic. The sovereign nations of the Arctic region must develop and implement security measures to manage the influx of interested parties and protect both their interests and the region. National interests and policy objectives in the Arctic call for renewed political and military attention within U.S. national security efforts.Engaging the United Nations and leveraging North American Aerospace Defense (NORAD) Command and U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) capabilities will be critical to accomplishing U.S. goals and securing the northern coast of the continent. Challenges for the future include developing lasting stability through a robust international legal regime, creating effective command and coordination structures, and putting the means in place to implement the nation's policy objectives throughout the Arctic region. With focused efforts the nation can achieve all of its national policy objectives and be a leader in shaping the world's use and protection of the far north.