Struggle In The High North: USMC In Norway And The Continuity And Change In Roles, Missions, And DeterrenceAmid Great Power Competition
Abstract
While climate change continues to reduce Arctic ice coverage, Russias expanding Arctic territorialclaims and military buildup raise security concerns for Arctic states, specifically Norway, and have renewedNATOs interest in the region. The Marine Corps has a longstanding role in the High North of Norway,contributing to the deterrence of Soviet aggression during the Cold War. During the same period, the MarineCorps balanced its additional rapid deployment requirements by increasing interoperability with Norwaythrough annual exercises and pre-staging equipment for a quicker response capability. Currently, the MarineCorps is undergoing a deliberate shift to a maritime force focused on the Indo-Pacific amid great powercompetition with China. This thesis explores the Marine Corps future role in collective defense againstRussia via NATO and its relationship with Norway. The research considered Russian and NATO interests inthe Arctic and how lessons from the Marine Corps historic balancing of requirements of the Cold Warapply toward emerging challenges. This thesis recommends utilizing aspects of the Marine Corps futureoperating concept to strengthen Norways and, by extension, NATOs ability to deter Russian aggression inthe High North.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1164942
Entities
People
- Alex Lang
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School