Managing the Arctic Thaw: A Joint Interagency Approach to a Potential Hot Spot

摘要

The recent and continued melting of the northern Polar ice cap is not only changing the geographical environment of the Arctic region, but the political landscape as well. As such, unresolved territorial claims between the Arctic coastal states, driven by the potential for increased access to numerous natural resources, and the viability for the potential utilization of shorter shipping routes, whose ownerships are disputed, have rekindled 'old fires' amongst nations which were previously 'frozen in time.' These issues, coupled with increased civilian, commercial, and military activity, have created a critical gap between the United States' desired end state in the Arctic region and its ability to achieve it. Given the remoteness of and complexity regarding the Arctic and lessons learned from past operations and conflicts, the United States needs a 'whole of government' approach that is balanced against the region's international political sensitivities to manage its Arctic dilemma.