Arctic Connections
Arctic Connections is a dynamic podcast featuring leading voices in defense, diplomacy, and academia as they explore the evolving security challenges and opportunities in the Arctic and beyond. This engaging series fosters understanding, strengthens networks, and provides expert insights into the critical issues shaping regional and global security. Join us for thought-provoking discussions that inform, connect, and inspire.
Science and Security at the Poles
In the Arctic, international scientific cooperation remains closely intertwined with security. This conversation draws on decades of research and diplomatic experience at both poles to reveal the scientific and diplomatic underpinnings of Arctic security cooperation
Northern Approach: What it takes to fuel, fly, and fight in the Arctic
Deterrence in the circumpolar North depends on credible warfighting capabilities. But shooting down a missile or launching a fighter jet takes energy, materials, and know-how. This preview of the 2026 Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue brings together defense infrastructure, space, and...
Homeland Defense from America’s Arctic
In this episode of the Arctic Connections, we offer a virtual preview of the 2026 Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue. The session, "Homeland Defense from America's Arctic," featured TSC Arctic Interest Chairs Governor Mike Dunleavy and Hon. Mr. Mead Treadwell. Hosted by Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Randy...
Arctic Connections | The Foreign Area Officer & the Arctic
In this episode of the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies podcast, Arctic Connections, Engagement Programs Coordinator, Maddox Angerhofer, sits down with the President retired Col. Pete Larsen of the Foreign Area Officers Association to get one FAO's perspective on security...
Canada and the North American Arctic
In this episode of Arctic Connections, Distinguished Professor and North American Arctic Policy Advisor for the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies (ACT1 Contractor), Dr. Kathryn Friedman, catches up with Ms. Sara Cohen, Deputy Chief of Missions for Foreign Policy and National Security...
From the Director’s Chair: 2025’s Arctic Security Takeaways
In this episode of Arctic Connections, Associate Director for Strategic Engagement Matthew Hickey and Director Randy "Church" Kee of the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies reflect on 2025 and look to the year ahead in Arctic security. They delve into the U.S. executive action on the...
Episode 12 – Anchorage Navy Week: Strengthening Arctic Security and Inspiring Future Sailors
Welcome to Arctic Connections | Episode 12, Anchorage Navy Week: Strengthening Arctic Security and Inspiring Future Sailors. In this episode, host Matthew Hickey speaks with U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Susan BryerJoyner, senior executive for Anchorage Navy Week and Director of the Warfighting Integration...
Episode 11 – Allies, Adversaries, and Arctic Access
Welcome to Arctic Connections | Episode 11, Allies, Adversaries, and Arctic Access. In this episode, host Matthew Hickey sits down with Alexander Dalziel, senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute, to discuss Russian attitudes toward the North American Arctic and what they mean for regional...
Episode 10 – Strategic Futures in the High North
Welcome to Arctic Connections | Episode 10, "Strategic Futures in the High North." In this episode, host Matthew Hickey engages in a conversation with Maria Jontén, a distinguished expert from the Swedish Defence University. Together, they delve into the evolving security dynamics of the Arctic...
Episode 9 – Arctic Perspectives from Global Strike Command
Episode 9 of Arctic Connections explores the role of the U.S. Arctic in our ability to deter competitors around the globe featuring Gen. Thomas A. Bussiere, commander, Air Force Global Strike Command and commander, Air Forces Strategic - Air, U.S. Strategic Command, with host, Matt Hickey. Hickey...
Episode 8 – Navigating Arctic Strategy: Canada’s Role in Regional Security
In this episode, Dr. Marc Lanteigne and host Matthew Hickey discuss the evolving landscape of Arctic policy and international cooperation. Dr. Lanteigne offers insight into Canada’s strategic priorities in the Arctic and highlights the importance of governance and security collaboration in...
Episode 7 – Arctic Pacific Connections from a seasoned diplomat
Episode 7 of Arctic Connections explores the Arctic-Pacific nexus with former senior U.S. diplomat, Evan Bloom and host, Matt Hickey. Hickey and Bloom examine the interconnectedness of the Arctic and the global implications of developments in the region. Drawing on Bloom’s recent book chapter,...
Episode 6 – Assessing the US Arctic from an Ally’s perspective
Episode 6 of Arctic Connections provides an allied perspective on the U.S. strategic approach to the Arctic from Dr. Paal Hilde, Professor at the Norwegian Institute of Defence Studies, with host, Matt Hickey. Hickey and Hilde discuss strategic competition in the Arctic, examining U.S. and Chinese...
Episode 5 – Threats Through, To, and In the North American Arctic
Welcome to Arctic Connections | Episode 5, Threats Through, To, and In the North American Arctic, featuring Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer and host Matthew Hickey. In this episode, renowned Arctic scholar, Dr. Lackenbauer, walks us through his model for Arctic security that delineates threats Through,...
Episode 4 – Investments, Geopolitics, and America’s Arctic Presence
Arctic Connections | Episode 4, Investments, Geopolitics, and America’s Arctic Presence, featuring Mead Treadwell and host Matthew Hickey. Originally recorded in November 2024, this episode, examines Arctic economic develop as a national security imperative. Our guests explore the nexus between...
Episode 3 – Arctic Infrastructure & Defense
Arctic Connections | Episode 3, Arctic Infrastructure & Defense, featuring Dr. Kelsey Frazier, Associate Director for Research and Analysis, and host Matthew Hickey. As Arctic sea ice melts and new shipping lanes open, nations are racing to secure their interests in this once-remote region....
Episode 2, Arctic Diplomacy
Arctic Connections - Episode 2, Arctic Diplomacy, featuring Joel Kopp, Associate Director for the National and Arctic Interest Chairs, and host Matthew Hickey. Originally recorded in January 2024, this episode delves into Kopp's distinguished career within the Department of State and provides...
Episode 1, Ted Stevens Center: Past, Present, and Future
Arctic Connections - Episode 1, Ted Stevens Center: Past, Present, and Future, featuring Randy “Church” Kee, Director of the Ted Stevens Center and host Matthew Hickey. Originally recorded in December 2023, this episode provides premiere insights on center operations and its growing impact on...
