The Xue Long (Snow Dragon). Photo Credit: International Polar Foundation By: Ezra Shapiro, Columnist Over the past two decades, and particularly in the last five years, China has steadily expanded its footprint in the Arctic. Receding sea ice is unlocking the region’s economic and geostrategic potential, opening the door to resource, trade and security advantages … Continue reading China’s Spreading Arctic Interests
Category: Arctic
A “Near-Arctic” Newcomer: China’s Maturing Arctic Strategy
Graphic design for annual Barents Spektakel in Kirkenes, Norway, depicting Chinese characters in celebration of the festival’s 2019 theme: ‘The World’s Northernmost Chinatown’” Photo Credit: Pikene på Broen AS, featured at Crypolitics. By: Ashley Postler, Columnist The globalized nature of climate change—“what happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic”[i]—and the vast economic … Continue reading A “Near-Arctic” Newcomer: China’s Maturing Arctic Strategy
The Warming Arctic: Implications for U.S. Regional Defense Assets
The U.S. Air Force simulated attack exercise "Arctic Gold" took place in Nov. 8, 2018, at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. Photo Credit: 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs, U.S. Air Force By: Ezra Shapiro, Columnist On land and at sea, a warming Arctic is eroding US strategic force posturing and readiness in the High North. Melting … Continue reading The Warming Arctic: Implications for U.S. Regional Defense Assets
REPORT: The New Arctic: Navigating the Realities, Possibilities, and Problems
Photo Credit: School of Foreign Service By: Daniel Zhang, Columnist “What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic,” was the overarching theme for the panel discussion hosted by Georgetown University’s Institute for the Study of Diplomacy (ISD) on its latest working group report, titled “The New Arctic: Navigating the Realities, Possibilities, and … Continue reading REPORT: The New Arctic: Navigating the Realities, Possibilities, and Problems
Contextualizing Russia’s Arctic Militarization
Russian servicemen of the Northern Fleet's Arctic mechanised infantry brigade participate in a military drill on riding reindeer and dog sleds near the settlement of Lovozero outside Murmansk, Russia January 23, 2017. Photo Credit: Lev Fedoseyev/Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation/Handout via REUTERS By: Ashley Postler, Columnist In 2007, Russia captured the world’s attention … Continue reading Contextualizing Russia’s Arctic Militarization
How to Keep China Out of Greenland? Start by Asking the Greenlandic People
Members of the Chinese scientific expedition team pose for photos onboard China's icebreaker Snow Dragon, July 31, 2017, during the country's first circumnavigation of the Arctic rim. Photo Credit: Yu Qiongyuan/Zuma Press By: Christine Bang-Andersen, Columnist Trying its best to finally cut its colonial ties and gain independence from Denmark, Greenland has begun exploring alternatives for economic … Continue reading How to Keep China Out of Greenland? Start by Asking the Greenlandic People
Beyond Icebreakers: Bridging the US Polar Icebreaking Gap
A curious Adelie penguin stands near the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star on McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, Jan. 7, 2016. Photo Credit: USCG By: Ashley Postler, Columnist Despite predictions that the Arctic Ocean will be ice-free during the late-summer months by 2040,[i] there remains a need for the U.S. to maintain icebreaking capabilities in order to … Continue reading Beyond Icebreakers: Bridging the US Polar Icebreaking Gap
Russia and China Sidelining the U.S. in the Arctic
Xue Long Chinese icebreaker. Photo Credit: United States Naval Institute By: Ashley Postler, Columnist As one of eight circumpolar states, the U.S. has much at stake in a rapidly warming Arctic, but remains behind the curve in developing and protecting its regional territory. In contrast, Russia and China have found overlapping and complementary national interests … Continue reading Russia and China Sidelining the U.S. in the Arctic