Arctic Security Update
Arctic Security Update is a newsletter to inform our network of security practitioners on current events through the lens of Arctic security. Subscribe on LinkedIn or read the latest below.
Rescues, Rockets, and the Ring of Fire
Across the United States this week, Americans will celebrate 250 years of American sovereignty since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Not until nearly a century later, though, did the U.S. become an Arctic nation with the Alaska Purchase in 1867.
American Sovereignty & the Arctic
Across the United States this week, Americans will celebrate 250 years of American sovereignty since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Not until nearly a century later, though, did the U.S. become an Arctic nation with the Alaska Purchase in 1867.
NATO’s Arctic Fighting Force
Much of Arctic warfare’s history was written in the European High North. Conflicts like the Winter War and Liberation of Finnmark taught the Nordics important Arctic operational lessons.
Critical Minerals and the Arctic
What do the Svalbard Treaty and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have in common? For a few days in April 2026, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was part of both. Those days ended, though, on April 28 when the UAE left OPEC. OPEC coordinates production of over one-third of global oil, giving it leverage over the geographically concentrated supply. Like oil, other geographically concentrated resources characterized by inelastic global demand and long project time horizons enable political leverage.
How Economics and Defense Converge in the Arctic-Pacific
In the Arctic-Pacific, does the flag follow trade or vice versa?
Last July’s Arctic Security Update introduced the players and the game in the Arctic-Pacific. This installment takes a closer look at how economic security and defense priorities converge in the ArcticPacific.
Laying the Groundwork for Epic Fury
The Big Picture: First Moves
From the Field: Tested by the North American Arctic
This Week in History: Sinews of Peace
NATO in the Arctic
U.S. Marine Corps Personnel ski up Green Hill during Exercise Cold Response 26 in Setermoen, Norway on January 29, 2026. This week, we explore NATO’s Arctic moment through: The Big Picture: Arctic Sentry From the Field: The Arctic Drone Laboratory From the Oval Office: Maritime Action Plan The Big...
The GIUK Gap
Members of the U.S. Special Operations Mountain Warfare Training Center (SOMWTC) and Danish Special Operation Forces (DANSOF) pose for a group photo in the mountains of Mestersvig, Greenland, March 6, 2024. This week, we explore the GIUK Gap through: The Big Picture: Greenland Lat &...
Maduro’s Lessons for the Arctic
Operators board fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) during nighttime maritime interdiction operations training off the coast of southern California. This week, we explore Maduro’s lessons for the Arctic through: The Big Picture: Lifeline or Liability? From the Field: Power Starts with...
U.S. Arctic security policy is built
Santa arrives in an F-35A Lightning II at the 419th Fighter Wing Family Holiday Party, Dec. 7, 2025, at Hill Air Force Base, Utah This week, we explore how U.S. Arctic security policy is built through: The Big Picture: American Alliances from Arabia to the Arctic From the Field: U.S. Army...
American Allies’ Role in Arctic Security
Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud of Saudi Arabia joins U.S. President Donald Trump for a bilateral meeting at the White House This week, we explore American allies’ role in Arctic security through: The Big Picture: American Alliances from Arabia to the Arctic Power...
Arctic Developments Across the European Continent
A U.S. Army AH-64 Apache attack helicopter conducts a flyover of the distinguished visitor area as part of the culmination of Iron Defender 25 at Orzysz Training Area, Poland, Sept. 17, 2025. This week, we explore Arctic developments across the European continent through: The Big Picture: Central...
The Present, Past, and Future of Arctic Defense
A United Nations flag hangs in front of constantina wire on the Intermediate Staging Area in Dakar, Senegal. This week, we explore the present, past, and future of Arctic defense through: The Big Picture: United Nations General Assembly This Week in History: 9/11’s Impact on Homeland and Arctic...
Why the World Comes to the Arctic
President Donald J. Trump welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin to Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Anchorage, Alaska, August 15, 2025. This week, we explore why the world comes to the Arctic through: The Big Picture: A “Neighborly” Meeting in Alaska From the Field: Arctic Exercises Draw an...
Seabed, Satellites, and Sovereignty
Bathymetric data of a volcano-like feature discovered by teams aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy on the continental slope along Northern Alaska. The feature rises from the seabed approximately 585 meters, residing approximately 1,600 meters below the surface at its shallowest depth. This...
The Players and the Game in the Arctic-Pacific
A civilian at Deadhorse Aviation Center East Hanger assists in pre-ICEX 2022 preparations in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, USA on February 23, 2022. This week, we explore the players and the game in the Arctic-Pacific through: The Big Picture: Arctic Pacific Comes into Focus Lat & Long: Return of the...
Historic U.S. Investment in Arctic Security
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Storis transits Elliott Bay as it arrives at Coast Guard Base Seattle, July 11, 2025. Storis, temporarily homeported in Seattle, will support upcoming Arctic operations while the Coast Guard awaits delivery of its next generation of polar icebreakers. This week, we...
The Arctic’s Role in Air Defense
Arctic Security Update A U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit takes off to support Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, June 2025. This week, we explore the Arctic’s role in air defense through: The Big Picture: 12-Day War Underscores Urgency of Arctic Missile Defense From the...
