Arctic Policy Briefs Released by Experts

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) Energy, Environment and Security (EES) Program released two new policy briefs on Arctic national security today. The EES program analyzes the implications of a changing global energy landscape, and the opportunities and challenges it presents for national security.

Emerging Arctic Security Challenges

Written by experts James Kraska and Betsy Baker the brief focuses on the interests and investments in Arctic security due to the rapid changes occurring in the natural environment. The policy brief considers the changing threat environment in the region across four pillars: national security, economic prosperity and opportunity, investments in human capital; and ecological sustainability and social welfare.  The policy brief concludes, “…the Arctic region is moving headlong into an era of rapid dynamism.”

Download Emerging Arctic Security Challenges here.

The Arctic’s Changing Landscape: Addressing New Maritime Challenges

Due to increased maritime activity, there is mounting concern the Arctic is at risk of environmental degradation, illicit activity, economic competition and restricted freedom of navigation for U.S. military and commercial vessels. In "The Arctic's Changing Landscape: Addressing New Maritime Challenges," CDR Linda Sturgis (USCG), Joel Smith and Isaiah Reed note that “operators and government agencies are challenged with inadequate physical infrastructure in the Arctic which greatly limits the full and comprehensive knowledge of activities in the region.” The authors propose a variety of measures to reduce risk and protect U.S. security, safety, social and economic interests.

Download The Arctic’s Changing Landscape: Addressing Maritime Challenges here.