As global attention increasingly turns toward the Far North, the Ted Stevens Center for Arctic Security Studies recently brought together top state leaders to discuss Alaska’s critical role as a frontline of national security.
On July 20, the TSC broadcasted a virtual session titled “Homeland Defense from America’s Arctic” live from its studios at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER). The webinar served as an exclusive preview of the highly anticipated 2026 Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue, scheduled for October 27–29.
Hosted by TSC Director Kee, the webinar highlighted the Center’s mission as the Department of War’s newest regional center. Rooted in the legacy of Senator Ted Stevens, the Center is dedicated to building strong, strategic international networks among defense and security leaders.
A keystone of this collaborative effort is the TSC’s National and Arctic Interest Chairs program, which brings functional expertise from government, industry, and the military into the Center’s research and educational missions. The July 20 event featured two of the program’s esteemed Chairs: Governor Mike Dunleavy, the TSC State of Alaska Arctic Interest Chair, and former Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell, the TSC Energy & Economics Arctic Interest Chair.
“These distinguished Alaskans share the Stevens Center’s commitment to promote dialogue, education, research, and collaboration in Arctic security and defense,” said Director Kee during his opening remarks. “Their support and their partnership brings Alaskans’ perspectives to the national and international conversation on the growing strategic and security importance of the Arctic region.”
During the conversation, Gov. Dunleavy painted a vivid picture of Alaska’s geographic dominance, noting the unique geography has massive logistical implications—propelling Anchorage’s international cargo airport to the busiest in the nation and the third busiest globally.
“Alaska is at the forefront of the opportunities and challenges that will define the future of the Arctic,” Gov. Dunleavy noted, adding that the state’s location will increasingly become central to future policy and strategy.
Expanding on the state’s strategic importance, Mr. Treadwell—who previously served as chair of the U.S. Arctic Research Commission—highlighted Alaska’s physical assets, including vast training spaces, untapped energy, critical minerals, and proximity to space.
Today, Alaska continues to serve as the nation’s “bulwark” against both traditional and emerging threats. Treadwell highlighted the state’s critical infrastructure, pointing to the major ballistic missile defense site at Fort Greely and a sophisticated network of radars.
“Essentially that [Distant Early Warning] Line that was put in during the Cold War is getting to be more up to date with over-the-horizon radars,” Treadwell explained, cementing Alaska’s ongoing significance in protecting the homeland. The full conversation served as a prelude to the 2026 Anchorage Security and Defense Dialogue this October. It is clear, as Gov. Dunleavy noted, that the Ted Stevens Center “possesses incredible expertise” as the region prepares for the future.
